A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

Virtue is defined as being morally good behavior or character (Virtue, n.d.). A great man of great virtue is Benjamin Franklin, he was known as "the harmonious human multitude." In 1726, Benjamin Franklin created a system to develop his character, in which he listed thirteen virtues to follow (Thirteenvirtues.com, n.d.) The 13 virtues are as follow:

1. Temperance
2. Silence:
3. Order:
4. Resolution:
5. Frugality:
6. Industry:
7. Sincerity:
8.  Justice:
9. Moderation:
10. Cleanliness:
11. Tranquility:
12.  Chastity:
13.  Humility:

The three virtues that I found to be intriguing and would like to better incorporate into my daily life are tranquility, silence, and temperance. According to Benjamin Franklin to tranquility is to “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” This virtue is important because it keeps you from lashing out of anger when things are unavoidable. Instead, it teaches you to look at it from a different perspective. This is an area that I need to improve and better understand. I typically tend to overreact at certain things or get over concerned. As a leader, I need to foster a sense of tranquility when faced with complex problems. If I feel I’m being taken advantage of, I usually let anger drive my decision-making process; something that I’ve been learning how to control. To be easy to anger and easy to understand is a habit that I’m expanding on. By doing so, I hope to better communicate things that I don’t agree on and be a better communicator.

The second value that I need to improve upon is the virtue of silence. The virtue of silence is to “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation”( Thirteenvirtues.com, n.d.).The workplace brings so much gossip and if we are not careful we get involve in such act. An example of this is promotions, how many times have you heard others speak about promotions and who didn’t get one. Leaders need to control rumors; the hard part is that rumors are hard to control. I’ve learned to be silence and listen, tell only things that benefit yourself or others. By doing so you are advocating an environment of positivity.

Lastly, temperance is something most people need to focus on improving. Franking discusses temperance as “Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation”. This virtue has to do with judgment and decision-making. If you can’t overcome the temptation of over eating or over drinking alcohol, then how are you going to make complex decisions? Temperance helps moderates our attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of things of this world (Temperance, 2016). Self-restraint is a great quality in a leader and it should of practice for people.

The thirteen virtues by Benjamin Franklin are virtues, which can greatly enhance one’s life. By being self-aware and training we can hone these virtues into our own decision-making process. Understanding that failure is part of the learning process will encourage leaders to keep going. I look forward to implementing these virtues in my life.

Reference:

Temperance. (2016). Retrieved May 01, 2016, from http://virtuefirst.org/virtues/temperance/

Thirteenvirtues.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 01, 2016, from http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/

Virtue. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtue