The elements of the Character Ethic are primary traits while those of the Personality Ethic are secondary. This philosophy is known as the Character Ethic, under which success is attributed more to underlying characteristics such as integrity, courage, justice, patience, etc. It emphasized the deeper principles and foundations of success. However, during the 150 years or so that preceded that period, the literature on success was more character oriented. This philosophy can be referred to as the Personality Ethic.
The success literature of the last half of the 20th century largely attributed success to personality traits, skills, techniques, maintaining a positive attitude, etc. In some cases such tactical advice may have been effective, but only for immediate issues and not for the long-term, underlying ones. He noticed that since the 1920's, success writings have focused on solutions to specific problems. Covey reviewed 200 years of literature on success. While working on his doctorate in the 1970's, Stephen R. Inside-Out: The Change Starts from Within The following is a summary of the first part of his book, concluding with a list of the seven habits. Covey presented a framework for personal effectiveness. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
