It's OK To Talk About Virtue

It seems that, whenever someone who is not a "recognized spiritual authority" (our local priest, perhaps, or maybe the author of some popular book on a spiritual theme), speaks out in praise of virtue, or endeavors to offer words of higher instruction, this someone is, almost invariably, met with the reminder, or the rebuke, that "words are cheap". This argument appears directly designed to discourage people from discussing the most meaningful and decisive concerns we face as human beings. Yet, if we cannot feel free to discuss virtue, and if virtue cannot be freely discussed, then how shall we ever prepare to enact it? Contemplation of virtue is not only a prerequisite for the practice of virtue, -- it is also, in itself, a manifestation of virtue. How many thousands, or millions, of people have been inspired by the words of moral teachers like Jesus of Nazareth, -- and have never seen them perform a single moral act?! All we know of them is written word. Does not history suffice to prove the axiom: "the pen is mightier than the sword"? Why, then, are words so near-universally devalued, and why are the very noblest words so freely held up to scorn?

Is it because talk of virtue reminds the wicked of their lack of it, and because the majority do not welcome such reminders? Is it because we have failed in our efforts to be virtuous, and have grown cynical in regards to moral instructions and exhortations? Is it because we are envious of the one who speaks such lofty words, and wish to see her brought low? Do we imagine that anyone who speaks of superior virtue must therefor regard herself as virtuous and superior? Do we think they are eager, above all, to merely appear virtuous? Why are so many so quick to dismiss or downplay good words and to exhort us to actions? Clearly, the substance of virtue, where it is the most dense, lies not in those virtues which are professed, but in those which are practiced in all sincerity, -- yet, what could be more apparent than this fact? The one who speaks of the principles of virtue generally illustrates her points by describing concrete acts of virtue. How is it then, that people assume this sort of person, above all others, needs to be reminded to act on her principles?

When people speak frivolously, of frivolous things, they are rarely enjoined to behave virtuously. And, yet, are not these the very ones who are most in need of our exhortations? If words must be brought into accord with actions, what, then, shall we make of people whose words have no bearing on virtue at all? No wonder we seldom counsel them to put their words into action, for, if even their words are lacking in virtue, what sort of actions shall we imagine for them!?

Virtuous words are pearls of wisdom. How eagerly, thankfully, and joyously we should open our hands to receive these pearls! Only swine trample the pearls of wisdom, then turn, and rend the ones who freely offer them. Lest we model ourselves on swine, we should endeavor to put an end to this practice of scoffing at noble words and demanding actions in their stead. For a fact, one cannot even think of acting virtuously until one has thoroughly contemplated and understood what it means to be virtuous. Every time we reflect on wholesome things, we cannot help but advance toward the acquisition of true health. Only by surrounding ourselves with the image of virtue may we armor ourselves against vice, and gradually come to resemble what is virtuous. As it is written: "We covet what we see." Who does not look upon virtue frequently cannot hope to desire it with the full strength of her heart. And who does not hold the image of virtue up to public scrutiny, cannot hope to influence others in that direction. To brush aside words of virtue, and to demand, instead, evidence of its most profound accomplishments, is the very epitome of "looking a gift horse in the mouth". Let us take care not to make that mistake.