Most Important Virtue

[Gary Crumrine]

What is the most important single virtue?

The way this came up is that Mrs. Crumrine and I were talking over breakfast this morning about a fellow we know, Dr. XXX, and we concluded that while he is clearly a good man, his word has no lasting value. On one hand, we've seen him be ever so gentle and caring with a person in the middle stages of dementia and on the other hand I've seen him promise a future act in exchange for an immediate action by a counterparty. The counterparty action was performed, but Dr. XXX never honored his part of the agreement. Dr. XXX, in our minds, values being "good" over being "honorable".

If you could be known for only one virtue, which would it be?

 

[carter]

For me, the word Integrity would be it.

To be known as a man of sound moral and ethical principles and to honestly live by those principles pretty much covers the waterfront.

 

[Paisley]

Honesty. If you're honest with yourself, you can avoid a whole lot of trouble.

 

[Miss 1929]

Kindness

is what I strive for, and frankly often fail!

 

[Eliza]

Compassion/empathy - something that I do have

 

[Gary Crumrine]

Posts through #05:

Integrity.................01
Honesty..................01
Empathy.................02

(Note: Could we combine Kindness / Compassion / Empathy? Clearly, they each mean slightly different things, but someone who has the one hardly lacks the others.)

 

[PolkaDotMeggie]

Faithful

 

[Gary Crumrine]

Fidelity is really important, PolkaDotMeggie, and it's often assumed without being really tested. I once met a man with a very interesting background who told me that "the only unforgivable sin is betrayal". That comment falls right in line with your vote for most important virture.

 

[zaika]

humility

 

[PolkaDotMeggie]

Fidelity is really important, PolkaDotMeggie, and it's often assumed without being really tested. I once met a man with a very interesting background who told me that "the only unforgivable sin is betrayal". That comment falls right in line with your vote for most important virture.

I could not agree more. The most important thing I want my husband to know, since he is overseas, is that my heart belongs to him. Now and always. He never needs to worry.

 

[HadleyH]

For me, * forgiveness*


(... there are many others of course, at least 10 that I can think of, but that one first!)

 

[Miss Brill]

Compassion/empathy - something that I do have

I choose compassion also.

 

[Diamondback]

Another vote for "integrity"--as the saying goes, "if you don't stand for something, you stand for nothing, and are likely to fall for anything." Seriously, this is something I prize even above loyalty in those I deal with...

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Chaste,....NO!
Honest,...I meant honest. [angel]

 

[Son_of_Atropos]

Honor seems problematic because it depends on how others perceive honor. Maybe all of the virtues suffer from this problem, but it seems to me honor is defined by others.

I guess i think the most important would be prudence.

somewhat off topic:

"A man is not a good man to me because he will feed me if I should be starving, or warm me if I should be freezing, or pull me out of a ditch if I should ever fall into one. I can find you a Newfoundland dog that will do as much."

 

[scotrace]

For me, * forgiveness*

Well then.... can I buy you a drink, Miss?

 

[LocktownDog]

I agree. Integrity. You are only as good as your actions and intentions. Although I would give Forgiveness a close second.

Richard

 

[carouselvic]

Roman Catholic Virtues

1. Humility
2. Kindness
3. Forgiveness
4. Diligence
5. Charity
6. Temperance
7. Chastity

This is the order of importance that the Catholic Church teaches. My mom always told me I need to have character, not be one!! Boy moms sure are smart. My mom is so smart she has more degrees than a ten foot thermometer.

 

[CharlieH.]

I'll add another vote for Integrity.

 

[jgilbert]

Good old fashion stubborness. It is the one that allows to to hold on to the rest when you are faced with true adverties