A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

Bunnin and Yu (2004) stated that the word virtue is derived from the Greek word arete (excellence), which is a transliteration of the Latin word virtus (manliness). Virtues are what guide us and the principals behind our thinking as beings. Hackett and Wang (2012) combined the values of virtues of Confucius and Mencius and what was concluded was that a virtue was a statement of character that guides people to do good, a virtue is expressed voluntarily, virtues are present to some degree at birth and are maintained through continuous practice, and once lost virtues can be re-acquired through self-learning and practice. Ben Franklin made a list of 13 virtues he thought were important and he tried to live by them during his life. Of the thirteen, humility, sincerity, and order stand out as the three most important virtues that I try to live by.

            Humility is described by Ben’s 13 Virtues (n.d.) as imitating Jesus and Socrates. This means living a humble life and appreciating what is in front of us. Jesus was a man who was born of a virgin and died for our sins, yet he did it willingly. What other person has ever walked the face of the earth to help a blind man see, heal a man with leprosy, or heal the cripple? To my knowledge, no one. Therefore, to be humble and kind by practicing this virtue daily one should reflect upon how they treat others and the kindness we show them through our actions. This means helping those who are in need, feeding those who are hungry, and tending to the sick when possible.

            Sincerity is one of the most important virtues for mankind because how other’s view us says a lot about our character. If a person cannot be honest and live by what they say, then what value does their word hold? Very little, if any, because people see through a person’s lack of honesty and sincerity. Ben’s 13 virtues (n.d.) stated that sincerity is not using hurtful deceit, thinking innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly. Therefore, to apply this daily to one’s life it is important to be honest, sincere because the way in which we interact with others has a direct reflection upon ourselves.

              Finally, order is a virtue that is important to those thrive in a structured environment. Order is where everything has a place where it lives and there is a time and place for everything. When something falls outside of its designated location, chaos is just around the corner. Why? Because order is needed for structure, balance, and peaceful day to day functioning and when order is not in place this causes stress and confusion. Therefore, order is essential for a balanced and peaceful mental state for those who need structure to get through their day.

            Overall, the virtues that Ben Franklin tried to live by are honest and noble actions, however; they may not be attainable for most. I try to live by several of them but chances are I will fail daily because I am human and virtues are all based on perspective. I selected three I thought were important, however; those will not be three everyone else believes are important.  

Ben's 13 Virtues. (n.d.). Retrieved July 5, 2017, from PBS website: http://A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

Bunnin, N. and Yu, J. (2004), The Blackwell Dictionary of Western Philosophy, Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA.

Hackett, R. D., & Wang, G. (2012). Virtues and leadership. Management Decision, 50(5), 868-899. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.1108/002517412112275