--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our character is determined by what we do…" description: "\"Our character is determined by what we do if every restraint were removed.\" — Lettie Cowman" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png" --- # Our character is determined by what we do if every… ![“Our character is determined by what we do if every restraint were removed.” quote by Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png) > “Our character is determined by what we do if every restraint were removed.” [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Character emerges when all constraints are gone. **In simple terms:** Our true self shows without limits. Key Takeaway Cultivate integrity beyond external limits. Themes integrity freedom character Mood thoughtful philosophical Type ethical reflective When to use this quote - decision making - leadership - personal crises Key Concepts ethics human nature Questions to Reflect On - What would you do without societal rules? - How do constraints shape morality? A Different Perspective Unlimited freedom can lead to chaos. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Determined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/determined/) [Restraint](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restraint/) ## Related quotes > [The measure of a man’s character is not determined by how he handles his wins, but how he handles his failures.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-courtney/the-measure-of-a-man-s-character-is-not-determined-by-how-he-handles/) [Bill Courtney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-courtney/) > [Character is determined by choice, not opinion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/character-is-determined-by-choice-not-opinion/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [Every epoch has its character determined by the way its population reacts to the material events which they encounter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-north-whitehead/every-epoch-has-its-character-determined-by-the-way-its-population/) [Alfred North Whitehead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-north-whitehead/) > [Character is determined more by the lack of certain experiences than by those one has had.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/character-is-determined-more-by-the-lack-of-certain-experiences-than/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [Your character is determined by how you challenge yourself, and how you wrestle with your problems, in a way that is unique toyou.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/senora-roy/your-character-is-determined-by-how-you-challenge-yourself-and-how/) [Senora Roy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/senora-roy/) > [If you carry the weather with you, then character is determined by the prevailing wind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamie-o-neill/if-you-carry-the-weather-with-you-then-character-is-determined-by-the/) [Jamie O'Neill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-o-neill/) > [“One's character is determined not how she gets caught in the downpour of disappointment, but how she finds the hope to look for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colette-freedman/one-s-character-is-determined-not-how-she-gets-caught-in-the-downpour/) [Colette Freedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colette-freedman/) > [“The only class I'm interested in, is the class of character, determined not by blood or money, but by intent and behavior.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/the-only-class-i-m-interested-in-is-the-class-of-character-determined/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [“Our character is determined not by our circumstances but by our reaction to those circumstances.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-w-colson/our-character-is-determined-not-by-our-circumstances-but-by-our/) [Charles W. Colson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-w-colson/) > [“The only measure of judging a human being is through that person’s character, because character is not determined by race, religion, gender or social…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/the-only-measure-of-judging-a-human-being-is-through-that-person-s/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [In times of uncertainty, wait. Always, if you have any doubt, wait. Do not force yourself to any action. If you have a restraint…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/in-times-of-uncertainty-wait-always-if-you-have-any-doubt-wait-do-not/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [No one is born with good character; it's not a hereditary trait. And it isn't determined by a single noble act. Character is established…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/no-one-is-born-with-good-character-it-s-not-a-hereditary-trait-and-it/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Printers shall be liable to legal prosecution for printing and publishing false facts injurious to the party prosecuting: but they shall be under no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/printers-shall-be-liable-to-legal-prosecution-for-printing-and/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Other folk thought the Rage was simple bloodlust, a berserk savagery that neither knew nor cared what its target was, and so it was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-weber/other-folk-thought-the-rage-was-simple-bloodlust-a-berserk-savagery/) [David Weber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-weber/) > [Combining the experience of a seasoned university president with the analysis of a respected legal scholar, Derek Bok explores what he concludes are 'signs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-h-t-rhodes/combining-the-experience-of-a-seasoned-university-president-with-the/) Frank H. T. Rhodes ## More by Lettie Cowman > [God delights to disappoint man's fears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/god-delights-to-disappoint-man-s-fears/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/it-is-such-a-comfort-to-drop-the-tangles-of-life-into-god-s-hands-and/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [I always thought a yard was three feet, then I started mowing the lawn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/i-always-thought-a-yard-was-three-feet-then-i-started-mowing-the-lawn/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [Sorrow is God's plowshare that turns up and subsoils the depths of the soul, that it may yield richer harvests. If we had never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/sorrow-is-god-s-plowshare-that-turns-up-and-subsoils-the-depths-of/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [Strong minds suffer without complaining; weak minds complain without suffering.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/strong-minds-suffer-without-complaining-weak-minds-complain-without/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [Never yield to gloomy anticipation. Place your hope and confidence in God. He has no record of failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/never-yield-to-gloomy-anticipation-place-your-hope-and-confidence-in/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [The man who forms the habit of beginning without finishing has simply formed the habit of failure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/the-man-who-forms-the-habit-of-beginning-without-finishing-has-simply/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [When God wants to make a man, he puts him into some storm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/when-god-wants-to-make-a-man-he-puts-him-into-some-storm/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [In times of uncertainty, wait. Always, if you have any doubt, wait. Do not force yourself to any action. If you have a restraint…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/in-times-of-uncertainty-wait-always-if-you-have-any-doubt-wait-do-not/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [The worker is far more important to our Lord than the work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/the-worker-is-far-more-important-to-our-lord-than-the-work/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [There is a spiritual law of choosing, believing, abiding, and holding steady in our walk with God, which is essential to the working of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/there-is-a-spiritual-law-of-choosing-believing-abiding-and-holding/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [Faith has nothing to do with circumstances, it deals entirely with the Word of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/faith-has-nothing-to-do-with-circumstances-it-deals-entirely-with-the/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [God has so ordered, that in pressing on in duty we shall find the truest, richest comfort for ourselves. Sitting down to brood over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/god-has-so-ordered-that-in-pressing-on-in-duty-we-shall-find-the/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [We have so much patience with ourselves, why not borrow some of that and use it on others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/we-have-so-much-patience-with-ourselves-why-not-borrow-some-of-that/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) > [In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler was making a long trek. Coolies had been engaged from a tribe to carry the loads.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/in-the-deep-jungles-of-africa-a-traveler-was-making-a-long-trek/) [Lettie Cowman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) [Explore all 16 Lettie Cowman quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/) ## More Character quotes > [This may sound strange, but although I feel like I know everything about my characters, the brand of shampoo they use, how many cavities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-honeyman/this-may-sound-strange-but-although-i-feel-like-i-know-everything/) [Gail Honeyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-honeyman/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [Social responsibility above the level of family, or at most of tribe, requires imagination-- devotion, loyalty, all the higher virtues -- which a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/social-responsibility-above-the-level-of-family-or-at-most-of-tribe/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I'm often moved by the circumstances around some of my characters, but I don't think I've actually cried watching myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-m-often-moved-by-the-circumstances-around-some-of-my-characters-but/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [When you're on a daytime drama you get one page, you better damn well know your character. You better know what she would do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hudgins/when-you-re-on-a-daytime-drama-you-get-one-page-you-better-damn-well/) David Hudgins > [It can sometimes make people fold into themselves and kind of run away, but I think in this case these characters are being forced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-deschanel/it-can-sometimes-make-people-fold-into-themselves-and-kind-of-run/) [Emily Deschanel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-deschanel/) > [If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-are-well-mannered-towards-those-whose-views-are-similar-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [In the fight between biology and morality, biology has commonly won in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/semir-zeki/in-the-fight-between-biology-and-morality-biology-has-commonly-won-in/) [Semir Zeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/semir-zeki/) > [Your looks don't make you pretty, it's the person inside who makes you pretty!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-chan/your-looks-don-t-make-you-pretty-it-s-the-person-inside-who-makes-you/) [Aaron Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-chan/) > [I'm not a huge social media kind of guy, so I don't really know, I don't really ever get... at least in real life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/freddie-stroma/i-m-not-a-huge-social-media-kind-of-guy-so-i-don-t-really-know-i-don/) [Freddie Stroma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/freddie-stroma/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) [Browse all 32,707 Character quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Our character is determined by what we do if every restraint were removed.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lettie Cowman" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-do-if-every-restraint-were/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Character" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-do-if-every-restraint-were/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e4/lettie-cowman-32032_character_our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-d_632817.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Our character is determined by what we do if every restraint were removed.” — Lettie Cowman", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lettie Cowman", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lettie-cowman/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Our character is determined by what...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-do-if-every-restraint-were/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lettie-cowman/our-character-is-determined-by-what-we-do-if-every-restraint-were/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```