Virtues and Values For Life

Sharing my recent exploration into various virtues and sets of values:

Aristotle’s Virtues

Courage, justice, magnanimity, temperance, magnificence, truthfulness, modesty, voluntary action, friendliness, liberality, shame, patience and wittiness.

Cultural Values

Individualism vs. Collectivism: Prioritizing individual rights and independence versus emphasizing group goals and interdependence.

Power Distance: Acceptance of hierarchical order without need for justification versus advocating for equal power distribution and questioning authority.

Uncertainty Avoidance: Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty versus a preference for clear rules and predictability.

Masculinity vs. Femininity: Preference for achievement, heroism, and material rewards for success versus cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak, and quality of life.

Long-term vs. Short-term Orientation: Focusing on future rewards, persistence, and thrift versus respecting tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and focusing on the present.

Jesuit Values

Derived from the teachings and practices of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a Roman Catholic order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, emphasize education, service, and the promotion of justice. These values guide not only the spiritual life of its members but also the educational mission of Jesuit institutions around the world. Here are some of the core Jesuit values:

Cura Personalis: This Latin term means "care for the entire person." It emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of individuals holistically, respecting their physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

Magis: A Latin word meaning "more" or "greater," magis embodies the idea of discerning the greater good in every decision and striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Finding God in All Things: This value emphasizes the presence of God in every aspect of our lives and the world around us. It encourages a continuous search for God in every circumstance and experience.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG): Meaning "For the Greater Glory of God," this motto encapsulates the motive behind all actions and decisions in Jesuit life, aiming to honor and serve God in everything.

Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice: Jesuits are committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice as inseparable. They work towards a more just world, inspired by their faith and the teachings of the Gospel.

Contemplatives in Action: Jesuits are encouraged to be contemplatives in action, meaning they combine deep reflection and prayer with active service and work in the world.

Solidarity and Kinship: Emphasizing the connection between all individuals, this value encourages building relationships based on respect, empathy, and compassion, particularly with the poor and marginalized.

Intellectual Rigor: Jesuit education values critical thinking, analytical skills, and the pursuit of knowledge, not only for personal growth but also for the service of others.

Discernment: The practice of discernment involves seeking God's guidance in making decisions, through prayer and reflection on one's experiences, emotions, and desires.

Community Engagement: Jesuit institutions and individuals are called to engage with their communities, not as saviors but as companions in a shared mission to promote justice and the common good.

These values reflect the Jesuit commitment to education, spirituality, and social justice, aiming to develop "men and women for others" who lead and serve in a complex and changing world.

Organizational Values

Innovation: Prioritizing new ideas and creative approaches to solve problems.

Integrity: Acting with honesty and honor without compromising the truth.

Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and their outcomes.

Collaboration: Working together to achieve a common goal, valuing teamwork.

Sustainability: Committing to environmental protection and sustainable practices.

Personal Values

Honesty: Being truthful and transparent in dealings with others.

Respect: Showing consideration and appreciation for others and their perspectives.

Compassion: Demonstrating empathy and kindness towards others.

Courage: Facing challenges and standing up for what is right despite fear.

Perseverance: Persisting in the face of difficulties with determination.

Philosophical Values

Stoicism: Wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

Utilitarianism: Maximizing happiness and reducing suffering for the greatest number.

Existentialism: Authenticity, freedom, responsibility, and individuality.

Confucianism: Filial piety, ritual propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and integrity.

Religious Values

Buddhist Values: The Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path of understanding suffering. Cultivating thoughts of renunciation, goodwill and harmlessness, avoidance of slander, gossip or harmful speech, abstaining from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct, work and trade that does not harm others, wise mental activity, compassion, mindfulness, and detachment.

Christian Values: Love, faith, forgiveness, humility, justice, stewardship, community, service, and peace.

Values of Judaism: Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), justice, learning, community, and faith.

Values of Hinduism: Dharma (duty/ethics), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation).

Islamic Values: Tawhid (Oneness of God), Prophethood, community (Ummah), justice, and generosity.

Universal Values

Security, love, compassion, respect, forgiveness, conformity, tolerance, integrity, responsibility, freedom, justice, tradition, benevolence, and intelligence.

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