A
Little Patience
Perhaps it
is somewhat fitting and proper to end the week with a reflective opportunity
that provides for a bit of soul searching and a deeper understanding of a
theory that “vanished from formal ethical discussion for more than a hundred
years”, one referred to by LaFollette (2007) as the virtue theory. As the week
draws to a close, group work has all but wrapped up; and, the emotions
generated lead this writer to fondly recall the words, “Said woman take it
slow, It’ll work itself out fine, All we need is just a little patience …”,
performed and posted by GunsNRosesLive88 (2011).
According to Hoch,
Kunreuther, and Gunther (2001), “People like to end on a high note” and “some
people schedule their least favorite activities early in the day to obtain a
positive contrast effect with those activities they do enjoy” (p. 69). Without
realizing it, that is exactly what I had done as I began today’s lessons.
I quite
enjoy reflective exercises, particularly those that allow me to write and be
expressive. Blending the writings of others and editing are somewhat less
enjoyable tasks for me; so, I purposely decided to review and edit a group
assignment and save what I consider the best assignment for last. Aristotle
proffered one who is virtuous must: do the right thing, do it regularly, enjoy
doing it, know the action is virtuous, and understand why the act is virtuous
(as cited in LaFollette, 2007). A quiz, presented by Twin Cities Public
Television (TCPT) (2002a), offers twelve questions; and, based on responses,
one can determine how one measures up to Ben Franklin and his espoused virtues.
Based on the virtues listed by Twin Cities Public Television (2002b):
temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity,
justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility, the
results of my quiz “closely reflected Ben’s own self-improvement plan” (TCPT,
2002a; TCPT, 2002b). Because I had elected to concentrate on the group project
early in the day, the day’s unfolding events allowed me to practice justice,
sincerity, and the virtue the quiz recommended I consider, tranquility (TCPT,
2002b).
Justice
encourages us to “wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that
are your duty”, sincerity warns that if we speak, to “speak accordingly”, and
tranquility teaches us to consider that which is “REALLY important” and not to “sweat
the small stuff” (TCPT, 2002b). Given my self-admitted propensity for
perfection, it is extremely difficult to bite my tongue, give my all when at
times others appear to not appreciate it, and to not “sweat the small stuff”;
yet, I pressed on regardless and am now able to learn from the day and improve
on the virtues needed (TCPT, 2002b). Taking a page from Greek philosophy, the
function of a team is to complete a range of tasks so that in the end a final
goal is accomplished together. An excellent team is one that fulfills this
function and this fulfillment is the team’s virtue (LaFollette, 2007). Would
justice have been served had my frustration gotten the better of me to the
point I omitted benefits to the team that are my duty as a member of the team? What
if any of my text replies had been sent in all capital letters? Would that be
speaking accordingly? I think texting is a good way to slow down, bite the
tongue a bit, and ask how my grandmother would react or consider what she would
say if she read the text. Admittedly, remaining calm and not allowing little things
to trouble me is a virtue that requires a bit more practice and inculcation.
The virtue not listed on Ben’s list is perhaps the one I rely upon the most and
is the one that allows me to practice the others.
I have been
told since I was young that patience is a virtue. I have repeated this epiphany
to each of my children, and now I hear them repeating it to their children. My
strongest virtues are those of order, a place for everything and everything in
its place, frugality, waste not want not, and cleanliness (TCPT, 2002b). Just
as Hoch et al. (2001) state “not all variety is created equal”, not all virtues
carry the same weight and perhaps this is why little things present a challenge
to someone who thrives on order, thriftiness, and keeping things clean. For me,
a perfect grade is an attainable goal and when I perceive the acts of others
may prevent me from achieving that goal, then tranquility and sincere speech
tend to require much more practice. LaFollette (2007) concludes the “virtue theorist
is right that we should pay special attention to our own actions since these
are most within our control” (p. 223). It never hurts to admit I may need a
little more practice; and, as I end, “a little patience” (GunsNRosesLive88,
2011).
References
GunsNRosesLive88. (2011, Sept. 23).
Guns N’ Roses – Patience – HD (720p) Live American
Music
Awards 1989. [Video file]. Retrieved from
Hoch, S.J., Kunreuther, H.C.,
& Gunther, R.E. (2001). Wharton on
Making Decisions.
Hoboken,
NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
LaFollette, H. (2007). The Practice of Ethics. Malden, MA:
Blackwell Publishing.
Twin Cities Public Television.
(2002a). Ben Franklin Virtue Quiz. PBS.org.
Retrieved
Twin Cities Public Television.
(2002b). Ben’s 13 Virtues. PBS.org. Retrieved
from
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