The Qualities That Distinguish One as a Person of Substance

Surely, the answer to this question is one of the more valuable lessons one would seek. This question, in the disguise of a submission for the application process for IBYS, has made me rack my brains to enumerate all my thoughts and opinions on the matter that I have formed from the experiences of my life, and structure it into an essay. I am thankful to the IBYS organizers for making me write this and reminding me of such a great lesson.

Here are my thoughts on ‘What makes a person of substance?’

To obtain the answer to this question, one might want to know what the definition of ‘a person of substance’ is. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is defined as a person who is rich and powerful. I beg to differ. I feel there are a lot of qualities such a person possesses apart from being wealthy and powerful. One may be filthy rich, and still may not be happy; another may be very influential but not honest.

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In my view, the best way to convey my description of a person of substance would be to enumerate the qualities of such an individual:

They’re kind but not weak

One should not mistake one’s kindness with weakness. It takes great compassion to be well composed and act in gentle but honest manner. In a way, being it also requires strength. However, it’s not kindness when you use it to further your own agenda. A person of substance is kind but not weak.

They empathies with, and work for an altruistic cause

While it is natural and taken for granted that humans are egocentric, being self-centered benefits just one among billions and would hardly resonate on the significance scale. Significance arises out of a cause that benefits the 'greater good', like working for the betterment of quality of life in harmony with the neighboring communities and countries. A ‘person of substance’ always engages his brains and directs his thoughts towards building a solution to the infinite troubles of the world.

They’re strong but not harsh

People will wait to see if a person is strong before they decide to follow him or even work with him well. Such people also make excellent leaders and people need courage in their leaders. They need someone who can make difficult decisions and watch over the good of the group. They need a leader who will stay the course when things get tough. People are far more likely to show strength themselves when their leader does the same.

They’re confident, but not cocky

We gravitate to confident people because confidence is contagious, and it helps us to believe that there are great things in store. The trick, is to make certain your confidence doesn’t slip into arrogance and cockiness. ‘People with substance’ don’t allow their accomplishments and position of authority to make them feel that they’re better than anyone else. As such, they don’t hesitate to jump in and do the dirty work when needed, and they don’t ask anyone to do anything they aren’t willing to do themselves.

They stay positive, but not unrealistic

Carrying a positive attitude is one of the most essential qualities for the birth of new innovations and breakthroughs. As the saying goes, the electric bulb would not have been invented if Edison would not have tried for the 100th time despite his 99 failures. However, as is the case with everything in nature, balance is the key. One should not let thoughts blinded by overly imaginative aspirations, keep us toiling around in vain.

They are goal-oriented and aim high.

To them, everything in life has a purpose, a reason for being. They understand the world and existence to all the parts of chain reactions. They believe that in order to get something, something else must tip that first domino in the chain. They know what they want and know better than to aim low. They understand that the higher you aim, the better – shooting for the starts will, at the very least, land you on the moon. They aim and then they fire, doing all in their power to guarantee their desired end result.

Clearly, it is very difficult for all these qualities to be present in an individual at birth. One has to gradually try to inculcate all these traits along their journey to their goals. A person with all the above traits is surely destined for great deeds. A person with all the above qualities is indeed a person of substance.