The Politics of Virtue

What are traditional American virtues? I’ll just go with Thomas Jefferson’s take on the matter:

“…industry, self-reliance, frugality, self restraint or control, modesty, temperance, fortitude, cheerfulness, civility, compassion, and respect for the property of other persons.” Jean M. Yarbrough, author of American Virtues: Thomas Jefferson on the Character of a Free People.

What would be the opposite of these virtues?

1.      Industry…Laziness

2.      Self-Reliance…Dependence

3.      Frugality …Profligacy

4.      Self-Restraint…Lack of Self-Control

5.      Modesty…Showing Off

6.      Temperance …Intoxication

7.      Fortitude…Complaining

8.      Cheerful…Sullen

9.      Civil…Rude

10.  Compassion…Self-Centered

11.  Respect for Other’s Property…Entitlement

Politics is about creating ideal societies. Ideal societies foster virtuous living. If you want to better understand another person’s politics, ask for their thoughts on virtue.

Reference:

Yarbrough, Jean M. (1998) American Virtues: Thomas Jefferson on the Character of a Free People. Lawrence: Kansas.