“An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth.” – Bonnie Friedman, in New York Times

Friday, October 17, 2008

Virtues

Many months ago, (heck, it might have been a year or more) I read a news story about a summer “Sunday School” that was non-denominational. Instead of reinforcing the beliefs of a specific religion with children, this school taught the basic beliefs of multiple religions as well as what I think they called a “virtues-based” (maybe it was “character-based”) curriculum. In the article they listed the key virtues that were taught—virtues that exist in some form in almost all religions, and principles that, if lived by, would create the kind of human community that I’d like to live in. I wrote them down at the time and subsequently forgot about the article.

For some reason the current Presidential race in the US caused me to remember this news article and I thought I’d post the virtues from the article here. I’m not sure what the source for this is, so I’m plagiarizing someone—sorry. Image a world where we all lived by these virtues…

Respect: Showing high regard for an authority, other people, self and country; treating others as you would want to be treated; understanding that all people have value as human beings.

Responsibility: Being accountable in word and deed; having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability and commitment.

Honesty: Telling the truth, admiting wrongdoing; being trustworthy, and acting with integrity.

Tolerance: Enduring or putting up with practices or beliefs that are different from your own; keeping an open and understanding mind and accepting difference even if you don’t agree with it.

Perseverance: Continuing to do something in spite of difficulties; facing obstacles with determination and patience.

Empathy: Understanding and being sensitive to the feelings, thoughts and experiences of another.

Integrity: Standing up for your beliefs about right or wrong; being your best self; resisiting social pressure to do things that are wrong; showing commitment, courage and self discipline. “Walk your talk”.

Humility: Recognizing and accepting your own talents, abilities and imperfections.

Forgiveness: Letting go of angry feelings; excusing or pardoning an offense.

Compassion: Showing understanding of others by treating them with kindness, genorosity and a forgiving spirit.

 

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Posted under: Stuff You Gotta Know! • by Rick on 10/17/2008 at 07:21 AM
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