A lot of people recognize virtue as being of real value and of merit, but perhaps fail to comprehend that as much as we might admire virtue in the other, we ourselves have a responsibility to develop as many virtuous traits that we can, as well. That is to say, the very point of us admiring those that have an even temper, that perform selfless good acts, and are of good character is not for us to think that somehow we can never become that ourselves, but rather to recognize that we can take on those noble attributes, also.
We are meant to be good, and further to the point, we are meant to be good for something which will help to provide for others not only the benefit of having received that good action, but also the inspiration for them to rise up to that level, as well. So then, there does come that point, for each one of us, that we will be required to carry our own weight, so as to do our fair part to help make society a better place for our participation in it – of which, one of the most valued ways to do so, is to be a person of integrity, strength, and of good virtue, for these then are the universal values that are necessary for vibrant and healthy societies to best build their foundation upon.
So too, whenever we see someone performing acts of goodness by, for instance, helping the helpless, by providing a forum for the voiceless to have a voice, and by aiding those that are lost and confused, we feel in our heart, a deep appreciation for what they are doing, not only because the actions so taken are constructive and valued, but also because it makes us feel good to see others selflessly doing their part to make society better. After all, we are all in this world, together, meant to help one another advance and to become better people, so done, through virtuous behavior, rightly applied.
Each of us has admiration for those that are virtuous, because we understand the value that good people bring to society, of which, it is thus our obligation and duty to do what we can to take on these personal accouterments, in our own character. Indeed, there isn’t anything virtuous that we can’t ourselves do, if we would only display the discipline of character and the desire to do so, on a consistent and meaningful level. The real reason why so many people aren’t consistently virtuous, is because they give in to the wrong temptations, or are weak-willed, or are selfish minded to the exclusion of doing the right thing.
To be virtuous is to honor not only the society that we are a part of, but also such virtue is in harmony with what we were always meant to be – for those that are virtuous are a bright light to those that are in darkness, for that torch of virtue, is that guiding light that all so need, to become what they should and ought to be, themselves.