ABSTRACT
The account has attempted to highlight the tension between the ideal presentation of and the actual manifestations that have arisen in character formation throughout history. J. D. Hunter is right to highlight the fact that character formation and the maintenance of its development in the modern context is increasingly problematic. The socialisation of virtues is only possible if the culture in which character formation takes place supports said virtues. Character formation is a nurturing process in which positive qualities of character evolve. Character formation is also associated with greater perceived authenticity; success in the workplace; developing a moral compass; building resilience and confidence; being kind, generous, compassionate, just; being a better partner and friend, finding purpose, and even sleeping better at night. Character formation is a good in and by itself, rather like the goals of a liberal education, but there is often no common language or an agreed set of expectations about character formation.
