Benevolence

When we think of the virtue of benevolence, it is often in the context of leadership.  We refer to a benevolent CEO, President, or other person in a position of authority.  From this perspective, benevolence can be viewed as a person’s disposition to do good; or to be charitable in the execution of his duties; or in the care of his charges.

Written large, BENEVOLENCE is that quality of character that inclines us toward generosity.  A short animated video by Justin Lewis illustrates the idea in practice.  As parents we can help strengthen this virtue in our children by encouraging them to share with their brothers, sisters, relatives or friends.  As individuals, we can cultivate this quality by practicing generosity with those whom we interact.  When we give freely of our resources (time, money, goods, services); or open our hearts (especially to those who have harmed us), we strengthen this virtue and at the same time encourage others toward goodness.

Assertiveness

Respect My Authoritah

Assertiveness is that quality of character that is recognized as the ability to speak boldly and confidently the truth, or state a belief.  This quality is often recognized in leaders as they exercise their authority, or challenge others to achieve great deeds as when John Kennedy declared that the United States of America would put a man on the moon, or or when Ronald Reagan dared Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall!”  On the other hand, an amusing cartoon clip demonstrates virtue of assertiveness gone wild.  In a scene of the irreverent animated television series, South Park,  Eric Cartman is portrayed as a police officer on his big wheel asserting his “authorit-ah”.

In a society where free speech is a constitutional principle, we must encourage our children, friends, and colleagues to express their beliefs confidently, while striking a balance between holding them back (perhaps out of fear of recrimination), or shouting them out (like some radio and television pundits).  Encouraging this balance is especially important when it comes to political and religious assertions.

As we strive to achieve that balance, we can remember the example of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, when despite the risk of being hunted down and executed for treason, they declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”