One of the reasons for my writing about virtues these past few months has been due to a strong inner feeling that if humans could slow down long enough to honestly examine how we treat each other, and to use a virtuous philosophy to live by, we would be far better off.
Several thousand years ago when the Greek's were the dominant force in the known world, they instituted a unique democratic form of government, vigorously studied math, the sciences and philosophy, and lived lives based on virtues.
When the three major world religions emerged in the centuries that followed virtues were replaced with similar, yet different ways, to live our lives. As more time passed and religion in Europe and America declined in popularity, a more secular view dominated thinking and philosophy, thinking that is more liberal in its basis.
As I have mentioned in this column, it is in this increasing liberal view that we have thrown religion out of many places where had it added a more virtuous tilt to our thinking. Spirituality or religion doesn't occupy a place our schools, government or private lives as it once did.
The obvious question is: Are we better off without it?
Now, even our entertainment industry pushes violence, sex, poor language and hatred as main topics for movies, music and television and the censors who are supposed to maintain certain dignity and quality look the other way.
I was listening to the national talk show host Hugh Hewitt last weekend and at the end of his show he played a recording of President Roosevelt during the days after the Normandy invasion of World War II. The President extolled the virtues of patience of the war effort and diligence in purchasing war bonds.
At the end, he asked the listening American audience to bow their collective heads and pray with him. He asked God for guidance, safety for the troops, success in the war effort and for steadfastness in the purity of resolve of the American people.
Can you imagine President Bush doing the same today? There would be an instantaneous outcry from the secular side of the isle asking for an immediate investigation by a committee to seek impeachment on the grounds of separation of church and state.
By now, you are probably asking what does this all have to do with my title virtue, purity. Well, I opened with the thought: "if humans could slow down long enough to honestly examine how we treat each other, and to use a virtuous philosophy to live by, we would be far better off".
Purity is a strange, largely unused word that conjures thoughts of the first Americans, the Puritans with their ever-so-strict lifestyle. Obviously, I'm not talking about that kind of extreme change.
Purity is defined in Webster's as: "a quality or state of being pure". Pure is defined as: "free from roughness or harshness". These two definitions are what I'm driving at. If you put the two together it comes out: "A quality or state of being pure without roughness and harshness".
In the past couple of months I spoke of gentleness and politeness, and how they allow us to work together peacefully and amicably. Purity falls into this category too. The Greeks who followed these philosophies were obviously looking for an educated life of peace and tranquility.
These types of virtues can easily be taught and followed by parents and children. School PTA's can adopt this line of thinking for it's teachers, communities can institute virtues into public policy and change will begin.
Purity is a foundation virtue. Once it has been examined, adopted and put into use in your life you will see profound changes in how you view others. You will treat those you come in contact with differently, with understanding and compassion, not selfishly or with hatred and mistrust.
You will also see a difference in your choices; what you will allow in your life and what you will accept will change. Following a virtuous lifestyle is no different that those who follow a philosophy of Tai Chi, Yoga, or meditation. It is disciplined, easily followed and once you know and understand the parameters you can teach your children.
Children need discipline early in life to establish good ethics surrounding work, love, drugs, and honesty. With those fundamental disciplines in place, those often-difficult teen years will be easier on everyone.
Yes, these philosophies are old and overlooked today, but is that a reason to ignore the wonderful results that they produced in the past?
In the end, it's just one man's opinion, mine.
Keith E. Renninson is a motivational speaker and co-author of the popular parenting tool and illustrated storybook for children, "Zooch the Pooch, My Best Friend" and the new "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life" co-authored with Mark Victor Hansen, Ken Blanchard and many others. Through the 1990's with much self-examination, academic study, bicycle racing, and mountain climbing, he discovered a renewed zest of life, which included a love of metaphysics, philosophy, humor, and writing and speaking. As Keith says, "Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue...it's all in what you make of it." You can read more about "Zooch the Pooch" or contact Keith to speak at: zoochthepooch.com zoochthepooch.com Keith and his co-author Michael Conrad Kelley speak to teens and adults on "The Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." This course focuses on how to build a successful Life Philosophy that works for each individual.
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