Mastering Character: Using Classical Skills to Build Character

Mastering Character teaches skills used by classical philosophers, especially the Stoic philosophers, to train the mind and body and to build character. Practical exercises are included for personal use. A class structure format is included for group work. The work is intended for middle school to high school students as a weekly addition to the regular course of study. The work may also be used in individual study, outside of a group setting. For institutions or home schools purchasing the curriculum, Dr. Mottern offers live support on how to implement the curriculum.

NOTE: Do not be frightened of the Greek words that are used throughout the text. These are used to provide an authentic feel for the history of the techniques, real techniques that have been used by real people for hundreds and thousands of years for self-improvement. These are mainly found in the sections entitled, Armamentarium. The Armamentarium was the Stoic philosopher's toolbox of skills practiced as a way to develop unshakeable character and live the Good Life. Pronunciation of the terms is unimportant compared to the concepts they explain. Focus on the concepts and actual practice of the techniques. This is not a course in Greek language.

The text contains three sections:

Section 1 - Motivation: Why We Do Everything We Do

This section contains eight (8) lessons with exercises to understand our motivation for behavior. It explains how and why we make the choices we make which create our character.

Section 2 - Cognitive Self-Change: Knowing and Changing Our Thinking

This section contains three (3) lessons with a number of exercises to teach cognitive self-change and how effectively to use it to build character. The section includes exercises that address 12 common thinking traps.

Section 3 - Social Skills: Living in Harmony with Others

This section contains 4 lessons with various exercises that teach the Seven Deadly Habits and Seven Caring Habits, as well as several different social skills such as active listening, dealing with anger, empathy, assertiveness, etc. These skills help us live in harmony with others and provide applications for good character.