Tag: Virtues

A Heart of Humility Creates Ripples Far and Wide

Merriam-Webster defines humility as “freedom from pride or arrogance”—and humility, it seems, has gone out of fashion. Modern society seems to encourage character traits that fly in the face of humility, such as narcissism, entitlement, and self-centeredness. We’re surrounded by experts and gurus claiming to have all the answers; arguing seems to have become a…


Some Hidden Holiday Gifts for the Kids, and for Us

Recently, I stumbled across this adage attributed to Ben Franklin: “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” Often, we aim to become better people when the calendar flips us into January. Even the most common New Year’s resolutions, to exercise more…


UC–Irvine Receives $1 Million for ‘Curiosity, Integrity, Humility, Tenacity’ Curriculum

The University of California–Irvine (UCI) has received a $1 million grant from a Philadelphia-based charity to expand its Anteater Virtues project to help students develop into more “inquisitive, open-minded and authentic individuals,” officials announced July 19. The grant comes from John Templeton Foundation, which supports scientific research and philosophical discussions on the “deepest and most…


War Has a Way of Clarifying What’s Important

Commentary War, like other life-or-death crises, has a way of clearing things up. You see this in how Ukraine has responded to the Russian invasion, and how other Europeans have, too. In the face of necessity, they’re doing what’s necessary. And part of what’s necessary is dumping the “progressive” nonsense. The order went out in…


Strong Foundations Make Strong People: Building Virtue in Our Children

The 7-year-old darts through the dining room carrying his plastic shield and wooden sword, and yelling “Up, men! Up and at ’em!” Close on his heels is his 5-year-old sister, barefoot, wearing a tiara on her head, floating in her princess dress, and carrying a spatula for her scepter. Grandpa sees a little boy still…


Aesop’s Fables: The Heron

Aesop (c. 620–564 B.C.) was a Greek storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as “Aesop’s Fables.” His tales, with their moral value, have long influenced our culture and civilization, contributing not only to the education and moral character building of children, but also, with their universal appeal, to the self-reflection of…


Aesop’s Fables: The Frog and the Mouse

Aesop (c. 620–564 B.C.) was a Greek storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as “Aesop’s Fables.” His tales, with their moral value, have long influenced our culture and civilization, contributing not only to the education and moral character building of children, but also, with their universal appeal, to the self-reflection of…


Aesop’s Fables: The Dog & His Reflection

Aesop (c. 620–564 B.C.) was a Greek storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as “Aesop’s Fables.” His tales, with their moral value, have long influenced our culture and civilization, contributing not only to the education and moral character building of children, but also, with their universal appeal, to the self-reflection of…


Aesop’s Fables: The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey

Aesop (c. 620–564 B.C.) was a Greek storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as “Aesop’s Fables.” His tales, with their moral value, have long influenced our culture and civilization, contributing not only to the education and character building of children, but also, with their universal appeal, to the self-reflection of adults…


Civic and Moral Virtues, the American Way

Commentary In declaring their independence from Great Britain, Americans famously asserted their unalienable rights. Much less conspicuously, but no less tellingly, they listed 10 moral responsibilities consonant with those rights. In announcing their political separation, they begin by acknowledging a duty to observe “a decent respect for the opinions of mankind” by stating the causes…