by Michael Anderson

Created on: August 20, 2009

Choosing between money, character, and looks is very difficult. All three have the ability to make life easier or harder for a person or others. If a poll were taken, most people would choose character as being the most important value. Even though character is a good thing to have, it isn't very respected in the world as it should be. We live in a very judgmental society. The sad truth is that many people that have a great character isn't always benefited with money or looks and those people are not recognized properly.

Many people say that money is the root of all evil, but that isn't true. It's the love of money that is the root of evil. A person's obsession with money can turn the best of people into delinquents. However, that isn't always the case. There are those that have an abundance of money who put it to good use. Every year, millions of dollars are accumulated for the multitude of charities in the world. The money that is contributed goes to help others that are less fortunate than others and without that money; the less fortunate will continue to suffer.

The media gives the impression that the only way to get ahead is to look beautiful. Everyone doesn't look as thin or physically fit as the models on magazine covers and movies, but people strive to look that way no matter what the consequences are. The truth is, a lot of people make preconceived notions about a person based on how they look. A person with a heart of gold may not have the designer clothes or jewelry like everyone else has but will still be perceived as being poor or ugly or not worthy of respect according to society's standards. However, looks do play an important role in some aspects of life. For example, two people with the same ethical values and character apply for the same position yet one goes to the interview dressed casual and the other business casual. Even though both interviewees met the requirements, the one dressed business casual is more likely to get the job offer because in order to get the part, one has to look the part.

A person's good character is not given the proper credit that is due. Society labels people that possess this trait as being pushovers, passive, or nave. However, all aren't viewed that way. While they may not reap their rewards as quickly as others do, the people with good character always win in the end. Some people rely on good character for a variety of reasons. Many are volunteers, youth counselors, and etc. A good character is important to have, but it isn't the most important thing. One could say that money, character, and looks go hand in hand with each other. One way to look at it is that a person can use all three to benefit others as well as themselves.

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