Saturday, February 8, 2014

8.What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I had to do a little research on this one, and chose the seven virtues according to the Catholic catechism which are: Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, and Humility. I find it odd that this question asks which is most overrated, almost wanting me to admit to my sin and evaluate which of these I have chosen to ignore. Being Catholic and also well versed in which of these are important, and why, it seems as though our human behavior always sets one virtue aside for our own ego, own desires, own self indulgence, the opposite of these virtues are interesting: Chastity-Lust and it doesn't imply just abstaining from sexual encounters, it's about purity, practicing courtly love and romantic friendship rather than sex. Remaining pure from intoxicants as well. Temperance-Gluttony, temperance is simply practicing self control, Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time. Gluttony we know is being overly self indulgent and considering ones actions over others. Charity-Greed, being generous, not just of goods or money, but of time, and self, always thinking what is better for others. Greed and gluttony go well together, usually they are the left and right hands of a corrupt individual. Diligence-Sloth, being diligent in work, steadfast and having a work ethic, upholding one's own actions without being watched, having integrity, not being lazy. Patience-Wrath, having patience teaches us more about others than it does about ourselves, and wrath is going about in an antagonistic manner, causing strife and drama. Patience is grace. Kindness-Envy we do tend to not be very nice to those we envy, kindness is empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment. Envy is causing strife, often times in our own life. Humility-Pride Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be. Prideful is all about me, what I do, and how well I do it.. LOOK AT ME, look at what I do, and often times in a martyrdom kind of way. What virtues have I allowed myself to view as overrated? In my own life I have not upheld chastity and patience. I never had any examples of these being upheld and respected. Sexual gratification has been in the media main stream for decades now, and patience, we are a want it now people, especially Americans, we want what we want and we want it NOW. It has even gotten worse with so much instant gratification at our fingertips, including that of sexual gratification. However, I can see where these virtues are very important, had I not viewed them as overrated I know I would have made better choices and been better off overall.

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