Emily Simpson

Dr. Burke

What is Virtue and its Purpose?

When you look around on social media, the news, and even your
personal life, you will see that life is full of suffering. Poverty, Illness, hunger,
and victims of violence are evident in every corner. The media gives you an
illusion that you can escape these issues by distracting you with trivial
pursuits, such as being rich, fit, attractive, or loved enough. People try to
control what they can and experience immense pain when they fail.
However, despite all the pain and suffering in the world, the inescapable
facts of life, true happiness is still achievable. Yet the question is, what could
give us such happiness?
There are many different theories on the pursuit of happiness, such as
the different theories presented in both Christianity and Buddhism, and even
those discussed by Socrates and Aristotle, that agree that virtue is essential
to achieving lasting happiness. One way virtue is defined is, having high
moral standards or living a morally good life. Although the vast theories of
happiness, virtue is a universal concept seen in those theories. It is well
known that living virtuous causes happiness in ones life. Although the

definition of virtue can differ amongst cultures, religions, regions, and

generations, the definitions contain a similarity in the characteristics that
describe virtue. Here some pressing questions arise; what is so desirable
about virtue that causes diverse cultures to commonly emphasize the
importance of orienting peoples lives towards it, and what purpose does
virtue fulfill in the quintessential human life?
Virtue must fulfill a basic human need, otherwise it wouldnt be so
commonly found throughout various cultures and civilizations. If virtue
wasnt an innate human desire, then there wouldnt be an explanation to
why it is such a commonplace theme throughout diverse cultures. Due to the
fact that most humans are born with a conscience, we judge our actions on
terms of right or wrong; good or evil. Humans are given a unique ability to
act righteous or evil, which is contrary to nature. Nature isnt accurately
judged on terms of good or evil, for example, when a wolf kills a deer, it is
not seen as evil. The wolf hunting is a means to survive and contributes to a
functional environment. However, humans have higher cognitive abilities
and judge their actions based on terms of good or evil.
Benjamin Franklin, a renowned academic, scientist, and philosopher,
argues that virtue is the act of achieving moral perfection. Franklin stated
that upon researching the concept of virtue, he found a lot of ideas and
concepts regarding the topic virtue. Franklin had discovered a very extensive
collection of material defining virtue. However, in the end he discovered they
were enumerable and, therefore, he was able to compose a complete list

which encompassed virtues definitions that are the most common. The list
he created is a summation of virtues commonly accepted between different
cultures and philosophers. Franklin believed that these characteristics
together would grant a person moral perfection.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops states that virtue is, a habitual
and firm disposition to do the good It allows the person not only to perform
good acts, but give the best of himself. In Christian morality, a follower is
supposed to work towards cultivating a virtuous life. The concept of virtue is
considered one of the most important aspects in Christianity, and is also
heavily emphasized in other forms of spiritual living. The logic that is
proposed is that virtue allows people to give more and be a better
contributor to humanity. Virtue allows a person to do good and give to
others, which is argued as being one of the main purposes in Christian life. I
can agree that since giving to others makes yourself, in turn, more fulfilled
and happy. It can be concluded that virtue, which involves giving and
goodness, is an essential tool to constructing happiness. The idea of virtue
created in the Conference of Catholic Bishops proves that virtue goes hand in
hand to achieving ones own happiness.
The purpose of being virtuous shouldnt be sought out for selfish
desires, nor should those who seek virtue be labeled as egomaniacs. In a
certain light, the act of giving to others or desiring to act morally good can
seem as a self-serving deed but that is absurd. The nature of being virtuous
is to do good for the sake of doing good. It would be contradictory if virtue is

pursued with selfish intent because a characteristic of virtue is to be selfless.

Those who are truly virtuous act moral for the purposes of simply doing
good. Becoming happy over ones own virtuous acts is what can be
considered as icing on the cake.
Of course, the matter of how to be virtuous is completely different
complexity on its own. Being virtuous is defined by the individual. What I
believe being virtuous is acting righteous and following your morals. I believe
people shouldnt cause harm and act in the best interest toward the
bettering of society. We all share this world together, and being selfish is one
of the worst characteristics a person could have. It just so happens that living
virtuously attributes to a fulfilled and happy life. Take advantage of this. Be
virtuous.

Works Cited

"Introduction to Objectivism." Ayn Rand's Ideas - An Overview | AynRand.org.

N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
https://www.aynrand.org/ideas/overview
"The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall
Association, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/autobiography/page38.htm
Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

"Socrates." Pursuit of Happiness. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/socrates/
User, Super. "Living a Virtuous Life." Catholic Education Resource Center.
N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholiccontributions/living-a-virtuous-life.html