Comments on: Virtue vs. value

By: Jon Rowe

Jon Rowe — Thu, 15 May 2008 03:39:41 +0000

Heh. Read Allan Bloom’s “The Closing of the American Mind” for the history of this kind of change in language. He blames it all on one German guy whose name begins with an “N.”

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By: RonD

RonD — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:10:55 +0000

So, values we have and virtues we seek with little or no assurance of ever attaining them?

Grace grows larger every day.

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By: Kyle A

Kyle A — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:55:02 +0000

Values always seem halfhearted. When somebody says, “I value cooperation,” it always sounds like something that they prefer but don’t necessarily uphold all the time.

Values are definitely temporary. My parents valued hard work and economic success. People in my generation value job satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

Values are somewhat arbitrary. One company values making an excellent product, while another company values friendly customer service, while a third company values both.

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By: Joel Mark

Joel Mark — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:40:32 +0000

Nice quote AWSTAR. Good comments Llama.

There are many different virtues, but all or nearly all virtues show up most vividly under great duress, temptation, danger and sorrow.

Unlike most virtues, most values flow a bit more independently of the extent of the pressure you are under.

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By: llama

llama — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:43:45 +0000

Couldn’t agree more but I would like to stress how important virtue is (and there are way more than 7). Virtues are you good character attributes that make you different than everyone else. They are your uniqueness. They are what you have that only you can bring to the party , to work, to your God and to your home.

It takes virtuous character attributes to be successful. Skills, although you need to be proficient is so many of them, will never make you successful in anything. This understanding is key to developing virtue and the good character attributes that go with them. Skills flow from virtue and good character attributes. Without them, skills will be far from you, as will be success in all things.

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By: awstar

awstar — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:05:39 +0000

Here are seven virtues listed by God about Himself: He refers to them as His “glory” — which by the way, Jesus says we can share in His inheritance, i.e. His glory.

Exodus 34:6-7

“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.

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By: Joel Mark

Joel Mark — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:00:16 +0000

Excellent post, Harrison.

I recall George Will writing on this topic some 10 years ago. It was a great point then and it is now too.

The study and practice of values is called “axiology.”

The study and practice of virtue is called “morality.”

There is a big difference.

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