Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Righteousness
Righteousness is living by a code of moral rectitude. It is practicing impeccable integrity in light of what we know is right. We don’t allow the fads of the day to sway us from doing the right thing. Nor do we stand in judgment of others. Righteousness is one thing; self-righteousness is another. We don’t shame ourselves when we go off track. We discern the lesson in the teachable moment and gently call ourselves back to the virtues. We resist being driven by our egos. We choose to be led by our souls. We live the good life.
Quote: “Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.” — Aristotle
The Practice of Righteousness
I live by my deepest values.
I don’t allow the ways of the world to control me.
I don’t judge myself or others.
I accept accountability and learn from my mistakes.
I resist the insistent demands of my ego.
I choose to live a soulful life.
I am thankful for the gift of Righteousness. It keeps me on the high road.
- How do we ensure our social justice work is not the fad of the day?
- Think of a time when you judged yourself. How did that invite disharmony?
- Think of a time when you judged another. How did that invite disharmony?
- Can you recall any mistakes that became teachable moments? What virtues were present?
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit www.virtuesmatter.org
