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"Each time you are honest and conduct yourself with honesty, a success force will drive you toward greater success. Each time you lie, even with a little white lie, there are strong forces pushing you toward failure."

The author of these words, Joseph Sugarman, captures a penetrating truth about how youngsters become kids of character and, ultimately, ethical adults. The simple truth I speak of is an ethical axiom: Our behavior shapes our character.

Recently, I heard noted ethicist and syndicated radio talk show host, Dennis Prager, talk about this theme with his call-in listeners. Essentially, Prager said that yes, our thoughts shape our character, but more so, the little acts of daily life define the direction of our character development and the depth of our personal commitment to live a life that demonstrates positive character qualities.

The central theme of the character call rests on a person's actions. How we behave as we swim in the same life waters with ferocious, human alligators is the true test of character growth. Yes, there are pervasive, numbing negative forces at work everyday in the U.S.

One need only look to the daily newspaper to see our political, business and social discourse littered with the behavior of men and women who behave with deceit, dishonesty and disrespect.

Some of this behavior is criminal; however, the great majority of it is rather the moral and ethical inept behavior of individuals whose collective moral and ethical lapses undercut the perennial values that shape enlightened societies.

Into this maelstrom come the character crusaders. These are Americans who understand what is required to walk the character call. These individuals, and there are millions of them in America, understand the words, "There is no right way to do something wrong." How we act clearly does ultimately determine if a noble character counts in our life.

Kids of character can learn from their parents, grandparents and teachers, our nation's community heroes, what is means to show up with behaviors that reinforce core character qualities such as honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, courage, and doing what is right.

Russell Williams is president of Passkeys Foundation~Jefferson Center for Character Education. For more information contact (949) 770-7602 or www.jeffersoncenter.org.