Virtue, is it enough?

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.

http://youtu.be/v-LqkH37mKc

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.  

http://youtu.be/OxiAikEk2vU

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.

http://youtu.be/sQ19sgPNPUI

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.