Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to

The visionary Paul P. Harris, founder of the Rotary movement and champion of human fellowship, once declared: “Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse, and power to bless.” These words reveal the invisible but mighty force that flows not from crowns or armies, but from the very essence of a human being. Personality, the unique spirit and character of a person, can shape the hearts and destinies of others. It is like the wind—unseen, yet it moves the sails of countless lives.

To uplift through personality is to inspire hope, courage, and joy. A kind word, a smile, a gentle presence can light the darkness for those who wander in despair. But the same power can also depress, crushing spirits through cruelty, indifference, or scorn. Thus, the bearer of a strong personality carries a great responsibility, for every interaction becomes a seed planted in another soul—either of life or of decay. This duality is why Harris likens personality to both a curse and a blessing, for it can heal as easily as it can wound.

History gives us a shining example in Mahatma Gandhi. His quiet strength and peaceful demeanor uplifted millions, even without weapons or wealth. Through his humble personality, he inspired an entire nation to rise against oppression, proving that true power lies not only in action, but in the spirit that moves others to act. His presence alone was a blessing, a living embodiment of Harris’s teaching that one person’s character can transform the world.

Yet there are darker examples. Adolf Hitler, through his charisma and fiery speeches, wielded his personality as a weapon. Instead of blessing, he brought a terrible curse, leading millions into hatred and destruction. His story stands as a warning of how the power of personality, when twisted by malice, can plunge nations into chaos. Just as the sun brings life and the storm brings ruin, so too can the force of one soul either nurture or destroy.

Let this wisdom be carried forward: nurture your personality as a sacred flame. Speak words that uplift, act in ways that bless, and guard your heart against the temptation to harm. Recognize, too, the influence others hold over you, and choose carefully whom you follow. For as Harris teaches, the soul’s radiance is a gift meant to serve others, and when guided by love and virtue, it becomes a light that no darkness can extinguish. In this way, each person becomes a guardian of destiny, shaping the world through the unseen power of their very being.