Virtue is a quality or trait that is morally good, desirable, or admirable. It reflects a standard of behavior that aligns with ethical principles, contributing to personal character and the well-being of society. Virtues represent ideals that guide us in our interactions with others and in how we live our lives. It is the ideal to which we morally strive.
Religions, philosophies, and cultures all prescribe their own sets of virtues to foster personal growth, social harmony, and spiritual fulfillment. Central Christian virtues include faith (to trust in God’s wisdom), hope (to give confidence in divine promises) and charity (or love). Core Buddhist virtues might be loving-kindness, compassion, wisdom, and equanimity– these are there to help us reduce suffering, promote harmony, and lead to enlightenment by helping us recognize impermanence and interconnectedness.The four stoic virtues are wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, which try to help us foster resilience and rationality, teaching us to focus on what we can control and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Key scientific virtues include curiosity, integrity, skepticism, and humility to guide the pursuit of truth and ensure that discoveries are reliable, ethical, and open to revision as new evidence emerges.
The virtues celebrated in modern society often diverge from the values espoused by more traditional cultures, philosophies, and religions. Modern virtues– at least to judge by what is celebrated in film, writing, and conversation– often diverge from the moral precepts of our traditional philosophies and religions. Ambition is a virtue, and we admire people whose ambition leads to success in business, entertainment, or personal wealth. Modern culture prizes individuality: self-expression, independence, and personal freedom. Creativity, innovation, and the ability to disrupt the status quo are celebrated, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship.
When we distill our virtues down to a short list, it is useful to note what is present– but equally important, to note what is absent. There are many positive values we could pursue. But if we choose the most important– picking the top three or four– which ones do we focus on? Is creativity more important than kindness? Freedom, innovation, frugality, and hard work are all virtues– are they more or less important than faith, hope, or compassion?
Despite dramatic changes in the human condition over the centuries, the core elements of a fulfilling life have remained remarkably constant. Philosophical and religious systems have evolved to hold up ideals that, when pursued, increase our chances of fulfilling our universal human needs. While modern virtues such ambition, innovation, and freedom are all laudable, are they more worth pursuing than wisdom, humility, or compassion? Put another way, we often get what you chase; what happens when we actualize our modern virtues? Do we feel peaceful and content? Or are we left feeling like something is missing?
Modern life provides us an extraordinary range of choices– including the choice of which virtues we want to pursue. This presents both an opportunity and a twofold challenge. The opportunity arises from having the freedom to choose how to live a good life. A challenge comes because we must pause and intentionally decide what it means to each of us to be virtuous, and also because if we choose poorly the virtues we value, we may end up leading a life that leaves us feeling adrift.
Steve Jobs said, “You can tell a lot about a person by who his or her heroes are.” The same could be said when it comes to the virtues we pursue, collectively and as individuals. What do the virtues we pursue say about us, as individuals and as a country?
Doc
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