As a child there were times when I was asked to act
morally, ethically, or virtuous. Not knowing exactly what my parents,
grandparents, or other parental figure meant, I decided they must mean act in a
way in which I believed was right. I was correct, well; at least I was not
incorrect. Until I began this class, I believed that the three were intertwined
together and shared a common definition. But, once again, that is not the case.
They are similar but not the same. So, what are virtues? That answer depends on
who you ask. According to virtues for life (n.d.), a virtue is the moral
quality of a person or the acts that make a person moral (kindness, honesty,
etc.). According to Aristotle, virtue is doing the proper action, doing it
routinely, enjoying acting virtuously, and knowing that it is virtuous and why
it is virtuous (LaFollette, 2007). Benjamin Franklin listed thirteen virtues in
which he tried to live his life. The virtues included temperance, silence,
order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation,
cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility (Ben’s virtues, n.d.). I would
like to reflect on three of Franklin’s virtues and discuss how I could use them
in my daily life.
I was fortunate enough to take a virtue quiz this
week that informed me how I measure up to Ben Franklin’s virtues. The virtue
that was singled out due to my answers was tranquility. According to Franklin
tranquility is defined as “be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common
or unavoidable” (Ben’s virtues, n.d., n.p.). Or in Lehman’s terms- do not sweat
the small stuff. The quiz told me to think about the more important things in
my life and worry less about the smaller annoyances. I am a preparer and a
self-diagnosed worrier, so this is advice that I should heed. While in school,
I usually like to plan out my weeks and determine which days I will work on
certain assignments. As we all know life tends to get in the way occasionally
and plans change. Sometimes this frustrates me and I get in my head about everything
not being on track. If I could step back and see it differently, I could
realize that it is not a big deal in the long run. I am the type of person that
cannot relax until the dishes are put away or will not sit down to take a rest
until whatever I am working on is finished.
I need to take Ben’s advice and not sweat the small stuff. The dishes
will still be there in the morning and the schoolwork can be worked on another
day. Of all the virtues, this is the one I need to work on the most and will
try to practice this in the future.
The next virtue I would like to discuss is
sincerity. Franklin defined sincerity as
“Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and if you speak, speak
accordingly” (Ben’s virtues, n.d., n.p.). This is a virtue I try to follow but
occasionally fail. I will argue that most of our society also fails in this
virtue. With the development of smartphones and other technology, our opinions
are shared with more people than they were in the past. Twenty-five years ago,
the only way to publically deceit someone was to call them out while emceeing
the local bingo night or prom dance, or commandeering the local town hall
meeting to talk badly about the local florist. With the development of Twitter,
Instagram, Facebook, and any other social media site used today, your opinion
is readily available and to hundreds maybe even thousands of people.
One of my girlfriend’s favorite movies is
Mean Girls and I have seen it several times while she was watching it. There is
a line in the movie where one of the stars mentions the phrase ‘word vomit.’
She understands that what she is saying is insincere, harmful, and
unappropriated but is not able to stop herself from speaking. Just because you
think it does not mean it should be vocalized, especially if the message is
harmful or insincere. As LaFollette (2007) warned, gossip should be considered
immoral.
As I have
previously mentioned, I try to treat everyone with respect, but I also ask for
it to be reciprocated. When trust and respect are not reciprocated, I sometimes
have thoughts that are not sincere. In the future, I must remember the virtue
of sincerity and not only make sure the harmful thought remained unsaid but
also try to reverse them.
The final virtue I would like to discuss is
industry. Franklin defined industry as
“Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary
actions” (Ben’s virtues, n.d., n.p.). This definition reminds me of the old
saying that idle hands are the devil’s workshop. I believe Ben is suggesting
that useful work should be done at all times.
As I previously mentioned I am a preparer. I would
also consider myself a pretty hard worker. While at work, I am very orderly. I
try not to waste any time in getting my tasks completed. I am the same way
around the house. I spend a decent amount of time working around the yard or
the house. I value hard work and not wasting time as much as anyone but if the
Shining taught us anything, unnecessary actions can also be useful. Jack
Nicholson ignored Franklin’s virtue in continuously typing ‘all work and no
play makes Jack a dull boy.’ I would argue that unnecessary actions are not
only nice but are sometimes needed. A little rest and relaxation never hurt
anyone.
Over the last six months, I have been transferred to
a new position twice. I was just getting my feet wet with the (old) new
position when I was told recently that I will be moving to another position. I
will begin learning new tasks and regulations that must be adhered to. This
time of the year also consists of not only the budget cycle but on-site audit
fieldwork. I am also in graduate school pursuing my Masters in Leadership. So,
my days over the last few months have consisted of working long hours learning
new information at work, coming home and learning new information while doing
my schoolwork, rinse, wash, and repeat.
I have been very busy over the last couple of months. So, recently I
have found myself spending my downtime enthralled in, as Franklin put it,
“unnecessary actions” (Ben’s virtues, n.d., n.p.). I have found myself watching
my favorite movie, reading, or having a Netflix binge of my favorite shows.
Sometimes wasting time and being employed in an action that is not useful is a
great way to reset.
All of Franklin’s virtues seem to be directed at
increasing the morality of humans. In a perfect world, we would all abide by
his virtues. But this is not a perfect world. The best we can hope for it to be
mindful of the virtues and try to abide by them in order to create a world of
harmony.
References
LaFollette, H. (2007). The Practice of
Ethics. Malden, MA; Blackwell
Virtues for life. (n.d.). What are virtues? Retrieved from http://www.virtuesforlife.com/what-are-virtues/
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