Virtues--Qualities of the Human Spirit

 There are over 350 virtues described in the world's sacred literature and wisdom traditions. Here are 52 basics.

Caring
Cleanliness
Compassion
Confidence
Consideration
Contentment
Cooperation
Courage
Courtesy
Creativity
Determination
Dignity
Diligence		 Enthusiasm
Excellence
Fairness
Flexibility
Forgiveness
Friendliness
Generosity
Gentleness
Helpfulness
Honesty
Hopefulness
Humility
Idealism		 Integrity
Joyfulness
Justice
Kindness
Love
Loyalty
Moderation
Orderliness
Patience
Peacefulness
Perseverence
Purposefulness
Reliability		 Respect
Responsibility
Reverence
Self-Control
Service
Sincerity
Tact
Thankfulness
Tolerance
Trust
Trustworthiness
Understanding
Unity

Virtues are described in the world's sacred literature as qualities of the human spirit. Virtus in Latin means "innate capacity or inner power". Other sources call them traits of good citizenship, life skills, universal principles, or building blocks of good character. They are inner "spiritual muscles" which we are here in this world to develop. Virtues are recognized by all cultures and wisdom traditions as fundamental qualities necessary for human well-being and happiness.

Plato described virtue as "a kind of health, beauty, and habit of the soul." Albert Einstein said, "Only morality in action gives beauty and dignity to life."

There are cultural variations in the way virtues are demonstrated. In one culture, for example, courtesy may be demonstrated by making eye contact; in another by averting a direct gaze. But both cultures value courtesy. People also vary in the relative value they place on particular virtues. In the West, for example, individual initiative is prized, while in other cultures cooperation is favored.

People often use the terms "values" and "virtues" interchangeably. But technically, values are whatever people consider important to them. People differ in the importance they place on music, sports, education, and beauty for example. Virtues are more fundamental and there is widespread agreement on the importance of developing these powers to the best of our ability.

Virtues give us the inner strength to do the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. "Character education", according to Dr. Thomas Lickona, "is the deliberate effort to develop virtues that are good for the individual and good for society." Effective character education takes a holistic approach that includes teaching knowledge of what is right, stimulating a desire to do what is right, and encouragement of right action.

Each person has a choice whether to actively develop the virtues within them--their "inner spiritual muscles"-or to let them atrophy. Research shows that the strongest influences on children's moral development are positive relationships with positive role models.

Nancy Watters, MA is an internationally recognized expert in character education. She delivers innovative, research-based training programs to schools and community organizations throughout North America. Nancy will come to your location, at your convenience.
250-595-2142
 nancy@nancywatters.com

©2007 Nancy A. Watters