This talk is about: Virtue The best time to develop specific
virtues How to develop virtues
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Why do we need virtues? So that we can do the right things
right.
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What is a virtue? It is a good habit. Makes us ready to do
good. Builds a strong character.
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What is a Vice? It is a bad habit. Inclines us towards evil.
Destroys our character.
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Classification of Virtues Human Virtues broadly divided into
four. Justice The good of others Fortitude The difficult good
Temperance The good with respect to myself Prudence The mother of
all virtues and the guide of all good habits Theological Virtues -
gratis FaithI believe in everything You have told me HopeI trust
your promises CharityI love You and all Your other children
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How do we develop a virtue? By observing the virtue in others
By repetition of good actions related to the virtue with intensity
by upholding a right intention and motivation By developing other
virtues By getting rid of contrary vices
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When should we teach these virtues?
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Professor David Isaacs suggests, while bearing in mind that
each family and child is different, that there are particular
periods as a child is growing which are more appropriate for the
development of specific virtues. A suggested arrangement of virtues
according to age
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Character Building by age
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Early childhood In a young child the foundations of virtue are
built by example, clear consistent guidelines, routines, close
follow up, and punishments imposed without anger.
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Later childhood When a child is older the focus continues on
orderly routines and clear parental expectations, but attention to
his motives becomes more important.
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The child can be helped to reflect on his own actions by asking
him to make certain decisions himself, teaching him to learn from
his mistakes encouraging him to have an optimistic view of
difficulties the imposition of punishments which are most effective
when they help the boy remedy the consequences of his poor
actions.
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These children are able to take far more responsibility for
their own character improvement. act from motives of charity
towards a parent or one of their sisters or brothers. Home
atmosphere and family example continue to play a major role. A
positive peer group becomes very noticeable also at this time
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Teenage Years In teenage years, they develop the adult capacity
to act from personal conviction. More freedom and autonomy is a
prerequisite for a mature personality.
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Parents should not be scared when they observe a growing
independent spirit in their son or daughter. react with panic and
legislate rules as if their teenager were still a child. retard the
development of their offspring by smothering him with childish
pampering. look on fondly as their teenager exhibits every sort of
silly, superficial behaviour, naively justifying it with words such
as "kids will be kids".
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Virtues are not fostered impersonally. A teenager will grow in
virtue because he is encouraged personally to improve himself, to
seek higher ideals, and to act from better motives.
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Parents must be in a position to talk frequently and
confidently to their teenage son and daughter so that they can
provide this affectionate encouragement. The foundations for such a
relationship are sown in the friendship and time spent together in
childhood years.
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Only if such a close relationship exists will the firm, clear
guidelines needed in teenage years be trustingly accepted. And only
through such a close relationship will the parent have sufficient
sensitivity and understanding for their teenager' s thoughts and
feelings, and sufficient respect for his or her legitimate
freedom.
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Obedience Accept as ones own, decisions which come from whoever
holds and expresses authority, provided they do not go against
justice, he carries out promptly what has been decided, striving
faithfully to interpret the will of him who commands. Virtues to
emphasize up to age 7
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Sincerity A sincere person makes full disclosure, where
appropriate, to the right person at the right time, of anything he
has done, seen, thought or felt with regard to his own or anothers
situation. Virtues to emphasize up to age 7
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Orderliness Follow a logical procedure to achieve a set goal
This is done by: organizing his things, using his time well,
carrying out his activities on his own initiative, without having
to be constantly reminded. Virtues to emphasize up to age 7
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Fortitude In situations which make it difficult to improve, a
courageous person resists harmful influences, withstands
difficulties and strives to act positively to overcome obstacles
and undertake great deeds. Virtues to emphasize between age 8 and
12
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Perseverance Once his decision is made, a persevering person
takes the steps necessary to achieve the set goal in spite of
internal or external difficulties despite anything which might
weaken his resolve in the course of time. Virtues to emphasize
between age 8 and 12
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Industriousness An industrious person does diligently those
things especially essential to the achievement of supernatural
natural maturity, and helps others to do the same, in everyday work
and in the fulfillment of ones other duties. Virtues to emphasize
between age 8 and 12
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Patience A patient person bears present difficulties calmly, in
a situation where he senses some difficulty or some good which is
difficult to achieve. Virtues to emphasize between age 8 and
12
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Responsibility Accept the consequences of his actions, both
intentional or unintentional, so that others either benefit as much
as possible or, at least, do not suffer Concerned that others over
whom one has any influence should act similarly. Virtues to
emphasize between age 8 and 12
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Justice Strive constantly to give others what is their due so
that they can fulfill their duties and exercise their rights as
persons, as parents, as children, as citizens, as workers, as
rulers, etc. and he also tries to see that others do likewise.
Virtues to emphasize between age 8 and 12
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Generosity Act unselfishly and cheerfully for the benefit of
others, conscious of the value of his help and despite the fact
that it may cost him an effort. Virtues to emphasize between age 8
and 12