高考英语话题阅读素材：Unit69WhyCharacterCounts.docVIP

　Unit 69　　Why Character Counts?　　Some time ago I was asked to consult for a bank that was having a problem with employee morale. I dont know whats wrong, complained their young president. Bright and ambitious, hed risen through the ranks only to see his institution faltering. He blamed his employees. No matter what incentives I provide, he said, they wont shake off this gloom. He was right. The atmosphere seemed poisoned with suspicion and lack of trust. But no one would tell me the source o this distrust. Finally the truth emerged. The boss, who was married, was having an affair with an employee. And everyone knew it.　　It was obvious now that the companys poor performance was caused by his conduct. But the greatest damage the man was doing was to himself. He was thinking only of his own gratification, disregarding long-term consequences. Moreover, he had violated the trust with his wife. In a word, his failing was one of character.　　Today it is out of vogue to speak in terms of character. But there is no more essential aspect of any person. Character is made up of those principles and values that give your life direction, meaning and depth. These constitute your inner sense of whats right and wrong based not on the rules of conduct but on who you are. They include such trait as integrity, honesty, courage, fairness and generosity -- which arise from the hard choices we have to make in life. So wrong is simply in doing wrong, not in getting caught.　　Yet some people wonder if our inner values matter anymore. After all, hasnt our noted bank executive succeeded in every visible way, despite his faults? This question demonstrates a quandary of our modern life. Many have come to believe that the only things we need for success are talent, energy and personality. But history has taught us that in the long run, who we are is more important than who we appear to be. During the nations first century and a half, almost everything in the literature of success and self-hel