The word virtues comes from Greek roots and means, to scratch or engrave.
Often, we think values and virtues are the same thing, they are not. A value is something we prize, or give value, our values may change over time.
Virtues on the other hand, are character traits that demonstrate moral excellence, they have intrinsic value. A virtue is universal and never changes.
Too many people we deal with no longer think in terms of right or wrong, but in terms of acceptable of unacceptable.
Noted professor, Peter Kreeft said, “Ethics without virtue is an illusion. What is the highest purpose of ethics? It is to make a person good, that is virtuous.”
When we practice virtue, we build character. When we build character we reduce stress. When we reduce stress we improve wellbeing. When we improve wellbeing we move from surviving to thriving.
When we become people of character we make better decisions. We build moral decision making into our mind so that we do not even have to deliberate, we just act out of our character. The less we anguish over what ought to be easy moral decisions the more we reduce stress. We call this a preventative self-chelation technique. We have enough stress hammering down on us from outside sources, we do not need to bring unnecessary stress into our lives. This protection against stress improves our wellbeing.
Becoming virtuous requires practice, our character is built by ongoing habitual action. Choose one of the Magnus virtues and begin exercising your character by practicing being virtuous. Make this commitment to yourself today and will improve your wellbeing for tomorrow.