Virtue,
it is such a small word. One would think that it would be simple to define.
Well Merriam-Webster defines virtue as:
- morally good behavior or character
-
a good and moral quality
-
the good result that comes from something
However, I do not think this definition does the word
justice. If anything this definition is just too simplistic. We as good
people strive to be virtuous but often fall short, so what does it actually
take to be virtuous? When do we know when we have obtained the status of being
virtuous? Well by using the definition as a starting point, we must now
delve into what character actually means.
In my opinion our character is
created and developed by our parents. We then continue to build upon that
foundation with everything that we do. Character is not an ideal that we can
supposedly learn and have it stay with us for the rest of our lives and have it
remain positive. With each decision we make, our character is hypothetically up
for sale. Based upon the decision a person makes, they can either have their character
remain in check, have it elevated or they can lose their credibility. Character
is one ideal that has to be constantly nurtured by committing to ethical
values. Taking the right road on every decision is not only exhausting but
extremely difficult knowing that temptation is around every corner. Knowing
that each decision could cause a downfall, making the right decision each time
will eventually become habit and almost second nature. We also tend to judge
others based upon the decisions that are made and if a bad decision is made, a person’s
character is lowered as we no longer hold that person in high esteem as we
previously did. The bottom line is that we are solely responsible for our
character, we can either make it good or bad.
We must also look at the meaning of moral. Morality in its simplest
definition means knowing what is right and wrong. To be ethical, I believe it
means more than just knowing what is right and wrong. Knowing what is right and
wrong is one side of the equation and doing the right thing is the other. In
other words knowing what is right or wrong is not enough to fulfill the
qualifications to be moral. This ideal is basically a two part step to
morality. If it was not, how could an individual claim to be moral by simply
knowing the correct action to take without taking that positive action. But
this begs the question, who decides what is right and wrong? In my opinion our
concept of morality is developed due to our belief in religion and God. Because
of religion, we have a blueprint on what is expected of us as humans. If there
is no God, I do not believe that we can have morality as there is no reason to
have right and wrong. Therefore it is through faith in a higher power that
directs us towards the concept of right and wrong and determining which path we
will go down. 
Now that we have a sense of what the definition of virtue
tells us, are these ideals enough to say that we are virtuous? This answer is
simple; no. To be virtuous means more, it asks not only how do we present ourselves to
others when they watch us doing things but what do we do when no one is looking. As a check to
determine if you are truly being virtuous and to ensure that you are standing up for the right issues, use the test that was in reference to
character. Ask yourself, what would you do if you were invisible? Would you do
things that are wrong simply because you wouldn’t be seen or get caught? Would you
do things to help others even though you wouldn’t get recognition for doing
them? This simple test is one that should make people take pause and
evaluate what they are truly doing and ensure that they are doing them for the right reasons. For some, doing the right thing is their
only reward. By doing so they obtain a sense of accomplishment through helping
others and putting them before themselves. Although this will help to determine a solid true character, are were being
virtuous? I do not think we can say that we have reached that level yet. 
We have all heard of integrity but where does it fit in
relation to being virtuous? Well to me integrity means that the person has
everything together and is living what they preach. A person of integrity has
strong moral principles and are honest. A person of integrity not only talks
the talk but walks the walk. In reference to integrity, all you have to do is
ask yourself a question. Ask, can you live with the decision you made? Will
there be guilt felt on your part because of your decision? If the answer is yes
then it is obvious that you lost your integrity. Again, to have integrity means
to always do the right thing and to stand up for those that cannot or that are to weak to do so. Most leaders that are held in high esteem by their subordinates will tell you that they had integrity. It is this ideal that endears them to their leaders and that is what they all strive for due to their examples in leadership.
To put all of this together, we started out defining virtue.
We then had to define character and morals to understand virtue. We briefly
talked about integrity and surprisingly it sounds very similar to virtue. Is
this a coincidence? What is important to understand is that these ideals are
all interrelated and they cannot truly survive without the others. This is why
they and are used interchangeably. These ideals are all used in conjunction with
one another to establish ethical behavior and ultimately what is right and
wrong. When one uses all of these ideals into their everyday lives, it is at that point when we can say that we are being completely ethical. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy, if it was then everybody would be doing it.