--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our character is revealed by how we treat…" description: "\"Our character is revealed by how we treat people who cannot help us or hurt us.\" — Michael Josephson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png" --- # Our character is revealed by how we treat people who… ![“Our character is revealed by how we treat people who cannot help us or hurt us.” quote by Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png) > “Our character is revealed by how we treat people who cannot help us or hurt us.” [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Our true character shows when we treat those who cannot benefit or may harm us. **In simple terms:** Character is revealed in how we treat the powerless or harmful. Key Takeaway Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Themes character ethics compassion Mood thoughtful inspirational Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - customer service - volunteering - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts moral philosophy social psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do you act toward those who cannot help you? - What values guide your treatment of difficult people? A Different Perspective People may act differently when stakes are low. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Character Revealed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character-revealed-491393/) [Help Hurt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/help-hurt-793262/) [Helping](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/helping/) [Hurt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hurt/) [Hurt U](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hurt-u/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [People Help](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people-help-262447/) [Treat People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treat-people-267447/) [Treats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treats/) ## Related quotes > [God doesnt give you the people you want,he gives you the people you need.to help u to hurt u to leave u to love…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikkie/god-doesnt-give-you-the-people-you-want-he-gives-you-the-people-you-2/) [Nikkie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikkie/) > [God doesn't give us the people we want, He gives us the people we need. To help us,to hurt us, to leave us and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pryncez-nika/god-doesn-t-give-us-the-people-we-want-he-gives-us-the-people-we-need/) [Pryncez\_Nika](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pryncez-nika/) > [What a person says and does in ordinary moments when when no one is looking reveals more about true character than grand actions taken…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/what-a-person-says-and-does-in-ordinary-moments-when-when-no-one-is/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [The way we treat people we think can't help or hurt us - like housekeepers, waiters, and secretaries - tells more about our character…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/the-way-we-treat-people-we-think-can-t-help-or-hurt-us-like/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [There was a saying that a man's true character was revealed in defeat. I thought it was also revealed in victory.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alison-goodman/there-was-a-saying-that-a-man-s-true-character-was-revealed-in-defeat/) [Alison Goodman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alison-goodman/) > [“But I also believe that a person's character can be revealed within moments of the acquaintance, unless he purposely tries to hide it".”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-clark-and-stephonie-williams/but-i-also-believe-that-a-person-s-character-can-be-revealed-within/) [Jennifer Clark and Stephonie Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-clark-and-stephonie-williams/) > [“Job’s sickness and afflictions didn’t build his character; they revealed the character he already had.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/praying-medic/job-s-sickness-and-afflictions-didn-t-build-his-character-they/) [Praying Medic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/praying-medic/) > [“A person's true character is revealed when they are angry”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charmaine-j-forde-2/a-person-s-true-character-is-revealed-when-they-are-angry/) [Charmaine J. Forde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charmaine-j-forde-2/) > [PLOT is CHARACTER revealed by ACTION.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristotle/plot-is-character-revealed-by-action/) [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) > [“If we say that an individual's character is revealed by the choices they make over time, then, in a similar fashion, an individual's character…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-chiang/if-we-say-that-an-individual-s-character-is-revealed-by-the-choices/) [Ted Chiang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-chiang/) > [“True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure - the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-mckee/true-character-is-revealed-in-the-choices-a-human-being-makes-under/) [Robert McKee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-mckee/) > [“Our character is revealed under pressure.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-j-rushdoony/our-character-is-revealed-under-pressure/) [R.J. Rushdoony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-j-rushdoony/) > [“The true measure of a person’s character is revealed when they learn of another’s darkest fears. It is in that moment the listener either…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-c-stipa/the-true-measure-of-a-person-s-character-is-revealed-when-they-learn/) [John C. Stipa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-c-stipa/) > [In books and in life, you need to read several pages before someone's true character is revealed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-carson-levine/in-books-and-in-life-you-need-to-read-several-pages-before-someone-s/) [Gail Carson Levine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-carson-levine/) > [“People's character will be revealed in difficult situations, whether they are a loser or a winner.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ardianto-sony/people-s-character-will-be-revealed-in-difficult-situations-whether/) [Ardianto sony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ardianto-sony/) ## More by Michael Josephson > [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/) > [America is a song that sounds the best when we all sing together - at least for a while.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/america-is-a-song-that-sounds-the-best-when-we-all-sing-together-at/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/approach-the-new-year-with-resolve-to-find-the-opportunities-hidden/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [The difference between stepping stones and stumbling blocks is not in the event itself but how you think about it and what you do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/the-difference-between-stepping-stones-and-stumbling-blocks-is-not-in/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Pretty isn't beauty. Pretty is how you look; Beauty is who you are. Pretty is in the face and body; Beauty is in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/pretty-isn-t-beauty-pretty-is-how-you-look-beauty-is-who-you-are/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Sportsmanship is the ethical and moral dimension of sports. It is demonstrated by a number of attributes and attitudes such as fair play, respect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/sportsmanship-is-the-ethical-and-moral-dimension-of-sports-it-is/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Surround our children with a message of honor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/surround-our-children-with-a-message-of-honor/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [The key to success is effort. The bigger the goal, the greater the effort.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/the-key-to-success-is-effort-the-bigger-the-goal-the-greater-the/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [“We can't live forever but what we do can change lives forever.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/we-can-t-live-forever-but-what-we-do-can-change-lives-forever/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/take-pride-in-how-far-you-ve-come-have-faith-in-how-far-you-can-go/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Leadership is not a matter of authority, it is a matter of influence. A true leader teaches others to understand more, motivates them to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/leadership-is-not-a-matter-of-authority-it-is-a-matter-of-influence-a/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [People who don't believe in you are right only if you believe they are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/people-who-don-t-believe-in-you-are-right-only-if-you-believe-they-are/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [There is within you, waiting to be called, a great source of power called courage. Call its name and it will give you the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/there-is-within-you-waiting-to-be-called-a-great-source-of-power/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [No word makes me happier than the word "daddy" when it's directed to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/no-word-makes-me-happier-than-the-word-daddy-when-it-s-directed-to-me/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Ethics is not for wimps. It's not easy being a good person. That's why it's such a lofty goal and an admirable achievement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/ethics-is-not-for-wimps-it-s-not-easy-being-a-good-person-that-s-why/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) [Explore all 170 Michael Josephson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) ## 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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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 revealed by how we treat people who cannot help us or hurt us.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Michael Josephson" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-treat-people-who-cannot-help-us/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Character" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-treat-people-who-cannot-help-us/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d6/michael-josephson-2363_character_our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-trea_945558.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Our character is revealed by how we treat people who cannot help us or hurt us.” — Michael Josephson", "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": "Michael Josephson", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Our character is revealed by how...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-treat-people-who-cannot-help-us/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/our-character-is-revealed-by-how-we-treat-people-who-cannot-help-us/#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 } } ] } ```