[August 03, 2014] The ancient Greeks considered “virtue” to be a positive trait that represented a morally good person. The trait was valued as the foundation of a moral being. As far as traits went, virtue was whatever was most valued. Senior leaders must possess virtue; else they will not be a great leader. There is some disagreement with this argument but the differences are about the definition of a “great” leader, not on virtue as a human trait.
Japanese Samurai Warriors
The four classic Cardinal virtues are: temperance, prudence, courage, and justice. All other virtues, some believe, cannot exist independently of these virtues. Christian theology mentions three virtues: faith, hope, and love. Regardless of the list, whether by a classic or contemporary philosopher, person of a religious faith, or a senior leader of in the business world, there is no disagreement that virtue is a trait that is for the good of that society and culture. The greatest and most successful of leaders are those with identifiable virtues that reflect that culture and most valued by members of that society.
The way of the Japanese Samurai warrior, the Bushidō code, is typified by seven virtues: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty. These are similar to the U.S. Army seven values. All represent what a particular culture values most and thus becomes a virtue. These virtues are a moral principle upon which a society survives and thrives. Anything that results in the decline of any virtue is an enemy of that state.
Today, the concept of virtue is discounted as a religious characteristic based on “outdated” morality. This is a simplistic oversight that should be corrected. Anything that a society greatly valued can become a virtue.
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