The Virtues Project

There has been a movement afoot to bring back virtues. With the fading of organized religion in many people’s lives, there has been a lack of, and a hunger for, old fashioned wise guidance for goodness. The Virtues Project was the creative genius of the Canadian, Linda Popov.

Virtues are qualities or characteristics that are considered morally good and admirable. They guide individuals in their actions, interactions, and decision-making, and are often seen as essential for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. Also, virtues are often considered foundational for ethical behavior and personal growth. They contribute to creating a harmonious and just society while helping individuals lead a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Virtues are different from values, and here is the difference in these definitions.

Definition of Values

Values are what we deem important to us. To assess our values we can simply observe where and on what we invest our time, energy and money. If we value skiing, watching television or caring for the elderly we invest in that activity.

Definition of Virtues

Virtues are timeless, valued by all cultures and reflect a code of honor or higher character. While countless virtues are taught and maintained in religious traditions many families seek a more generic, yet spiritual, moral grounding. Virtue conscious parents notice and build upon moments of kindness and potential.

The Seven Heavenly Virtues

Virtues go back to ancient times when Aurelius Clemens Prudentius ((AD 410) wrote a poem about virtues and vices. Here

These seven virtues are:

• Chastity
• Temperance
• Charity
• Diligence
• Patience
• Kindness
• Humility

A Deep Exploration of The Virtues

Virtues include concepts such as caring, cleanliness, forgiveness, honesty, responsibility and, thank heavens, joyfulness. In William Bennett’s The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories, this doctor of philosophy organized children’s poems and stories under categories such as Self- Discipline, Courage, Friendship, Work and Faith. There is a wonderful poem to recite to a child, teen or adult if they are questioning that they make a difference in the world.

The poem by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) is included by Bennett in his Compassion chapter:

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Fast forward to 1991 when Linda Popov, author of The Family Virtues Guide, founded The Virtues Project to help families create meaning. A virtue, Popov states, “. . . helps children to remember who they really are, and to know that the purpose of life is to have a life of purpose.” The Virtues Project presents 52 virtues to assist parents in guiding their children.

How the Virtues relate to Our Children

Imagine a child being able to recite this poem, a child who would not question whether teasing, taunting or bullying was acceptable.

On April 25, 2002 CBC radio reported a research project conducted at the University of Lethbridge. The announcer said something like “The research study concluded that when hockey parents encouraged their children to be aggressive (towards the other team), children showed disturbing levels of violence.” These parents were acting out of a value of winning, at all cost.

If these same parents supported a virtue such as excellence they would encourage their youngsters to give their best effort and turn errors into opportunities to learn and improve. They might give a message similar to a quote by Charlene Costanzo, “May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.”

As parents we can begin a conscious journey of integrating high principles and virtues into our own lives. We can ask, “What is my code of honor and conduct? Do my chosen behaviors and words support the virtues that bring more harmony, meaning and joy to the world? What new behavior will I begin today that will increase my life and family purpose?” Happy Virtueing!