The Content of Our Character: Ten Essential Virtues

This summer in one of my grad classes, my professor gave us an article on the "Content of Our Character" by Tom Lickona, Director, Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility). As a coach and future teacher, we always want our students to exemplify "good character," but I never truly understand what that all entailed until I read Tom's article. He gives and explains ten essential virtues that should be practiced in order to be considered a person of strong character. My goal is not to analyze every detail of each virtue, mere give a sentence or two description from the article of what it is and how you can practice it as a person.

1. Wisdom - Wisdom tells us how to put other virtues into practice - when to act, how to act, and how to balance different virtues when they conflict. Wisdom in summary is utilizing good judgement. "We cannot do right unless we first see correctly." Practice wisdom by learning from others triumphs/mistakes and use them to make good choices and be a positive role model for others to follow.

2. Justice - Justice means respecting the rights of all persons no matter their color, race, ethnicity, etc. One can practice justice by simply being civil, honest, respectful, responsible, and tolerant.

3. Fortitude - Fortitude enables us to do what is right in the face of difficulty. It is the inner toughness that enables us to overcome or withstand hardship, defeats, inconvenience, and pain. Being courageous, resilient, patient, persevering, enduring, and maintaining a healthy self-confidence are all aspects of fortitude.

4. Self-Control - Self-control is the ability to govern ourselves. It enables us to control our temper, regulate our sensual appetites and passions, and pursue even legitimate pleasures in moderation. Being in control is having the ability to resist temptation, to wait, and delay gratification in the pursuit of higher distance goals.

5. Love - Love is the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of another. Being a lover is being empathetic, compassionate, kind, generous, and loyal. "Selfless love that expects nothing back is the most powerful force in the universe." It is being not only a giver, but a "humble giver."

6. Positive Attitude - "If you have a negative attitude in life, you're a burden to yourself and others. If you have a positive attitude, you're an asset to yourself and others. A positive person has hope, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, and is flexible. "Most people are about as happy as they make their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln.

7. Hard Work - There is no substitute in life for hard work. John Wooden once said, "I challenge you to show me a single solitary individual who achieved his or her own personal greatness without a lot of hard work." Hard work includes the virtues of initiative, diligence, goal-setting, and resourcefulness.

8. Integrity - Integrity is adhering to moral principle, being faithful to moral conscience, keeping our word, and standing up for what we believe. "Integrity is different from honesty, which tells the truth to others. Integrity tells the truth to oneself."

9. Gratitude - Gratitude, like love, is not a feeling but an act of the will. We choose to be thankful, just as we choose to love. It moves us to count our everyday blessings. Take time in life to reflect and be thankful what you have, not be upset with what you don't.

10. Humility - Humility can be considered the foundation of the whole moral life. Humility is necessary for the acquisition of the other virtues because it makes us aware of our imperfections and leads us to try to become a better person. "Humility is recognizing both our inadequacies and abilities and pressing our abilities into service without attracting attention or expecting applause."

As I go through the days and try and better myself as a person, I try and practice these virtues as much as I can. They are to hard to practice all at once, but if we try and implement one at a time, not only will we become a better person, but the people around us will become stronger and happier. Please feel free to comment or share. Thanks.

-RD