In the 2004 \u201cCharacter Strengths and Virtues\u201d handbook, six classes of core virtues are identified, made up of 24 measurable “character strengths.\u201d They are as follows:<\/p>\n
To every positive, there exists a negative; to every good, there exists an evil \u2014 every synonym, an antonym. So what are the antonyms and opposites of each of the above?<\/p>\n
The opposite of \u201cwisdom and knowledge\u201d is folly and ignorance.<\/p>\n
The opposite of \u201ccourage\u201d is cowardice.<\/p>\n
The opposite of \u201chumanity\u201d is hate.<\/p>\n
The opposite of \u201cjustice\u201d is partiality.<\/p>\n
The opposite of \u201ctemperance\u201d is rashness, brashness, arrogance, and unforgivingness.<\/p>\n
And the opposite of \u201ctranscendence\u201d is unimportance and inferiority.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not rocket science to suggest that most of us wish to be virtuous \u2014 to be men and women of strong, solid, and uncompromising character. But why is it that in so many of our dialogues \u2014 we are marked more by our opposites above than by our strengths?<\/p>\n
\u2026 we might claim to love humanity, and yet we show openly show hate toward someone\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2026 we might claim to be men and women of great temperance, and yet, we withhold forgiveness toward at least a few\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2026 and we might claim to be wise and knowledgeable for our years, and yet, we are not open-minded in sincerely listening to the person who comes from a varied angle.<\/p>\n
It seems, therefore unknowingly, that our society has been lured into believing a complete lack of virtues and strengths is acceptable\u2026 especially when talking about any dicey or difficult matter; it\u2019s why an increasing number choose never to discuss money, politics, religion, or sex.<\/p>\n
Consistent with the Intramuralist\u2019s advocacy for always embracing what\u2019s good and right and true, we would be wise to remember when we are most tempted to disguise the wrong for a right \u2014 to accept the total lack of virtue.<\/p>\n
I was reminded again this past weekend of the \u201cH.A.L.T.\u201d theory\u2026<\/p>\n
When am I most tempted to act inappropriately? When am I most tempted to withhold love, forgiveness, fairness, and far more? When am I most tempted to lash out, forgetting my deep desire to treat and love all people well?<\/p>\n
\u2026 when I am\u2026<\/p>\n
Hungry\u2026
\nAngry\u2026
\nLonely\u2026 or\u2026
\nTired.<\/p>\n
When I am hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, I am most tempted to forgo what I know to be good and right and true.<\/p>\n
In many of the recent Intramuralist discussions, one observation that repeatedly arose was the increased levels of anger in our country \u2014 manifesting itself in various ways, but typically, often destructive.<\/p>\n
HALT.<\/p>\n
May we attempt to remember what\u2019s virtuous\u2026 and pause when the temptation to do otherwise is lurking.<\/p>\n
Respectfully\u2026
\nAR<\/p>\n
Photo by\u00a0yatharth roy vibhakar<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the 2004 \u201cCharacter Strengths and Virtues\u201d handbook, six classes of core virtues are identified, made up of 24 measurable “character strengths.\u201d They are as follows: Wisdom and Knowledge: creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective, innovation Courage: bravery, persistence, integrity, vitality, zest Humanity: love, kindness, social intelligence Justice: citizenship, fairness, leadership Temperance: forgiveness and … <\/p>\n