VIRTUES

These are the ideal traits and qualities that strive to achieve the state of moral excellence in self, group or society. They provide a reasoning and critical thinking mechanism for individuals and groups to follow in their strive to achieve a Good, True and Fair state or outcome. These Virtues are modelled and constituted in the tradition of the “Golden Mean or Way” as proposed by great philosophers who held the idea that a virtue is not an ultimate static quality and is instead the ideal mean on a virtuous scale between the extremes of absence/corruption and surplus/divinity. Through the recognition of a virtue’s range of existence we can better understand how it is defined making it easier to discern the ideal mean.

These Virtues, like Principles, have a hierarchy of importance as the earlier may impact the latter virtues and, therefore, their sentiment and priority is to be based on the consensus from membership. These Virtues in their introductory order are:

The heart of humanity. It fosters strong and positive emotional and mental states such as benevolence, affection, admiration, lust and passion. Deficiency of this virtue results in determined apathy while the ideal state results in reciprocal adoration.

The defining attribute of human existence. It is sapience and sagacity, the ability to apply intellect to knowledge, experience and volition in a moral and ethical manner. Deficiency of this virtue results in ignorant failure while the ideal state results in excellence and mastery.

The bond of humanity. It is the fundamental belief or understanding that an ability, truth or quality can be relied upon by self, group and society. Deficiency of this virtue results in cynical isolation while the ideal state results in steadfast solidarity.

The ideal application of moral and ethical beliefs to arrive at a fair or balanced outcome for self, group or society. The aggregate virtue to arrive at proper distribution. Deficiency of this virtue results in orderless chaos while the ideal state results in peace and joy.

The determination to morally and ethically act against adversity. It is the strength of mind to endeavour virtuously in the face of discomfort, challenge, danger, pain or death. Deficiency of this virtue results in shameful cowardice while the ideal state results in courageous diligence.

The key to excellence in moderation. It is the ability to self-control abstention and indulgence and to proportionally allot mental, physical or emotional resources. Deficiency of this virtue results in corruptive extremes while the ideal state results in impeccable balance.

The sentiment that provides confidence to belief and trust. It is the desire, aspiration, endeavour and passion for the best or ideal outcome. Deficiency of this virtue will result in fatalistic despair while the ideal state results in exuberant optimism.

The quality of fellowship and the embodiment of togetherness. It is the will to be mutually reliant on each other and to act in a collective manner. Deficiency of this virtue results in lonely dependence of self or others while the ideal state results in communal camaraderie.