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1. Prudence: When do you feel it is most important to exercise prudence? When is it acceptable to throw practicality out the window?
I think any time your words/actions have the ability to negatively impact others, prudence is critical. Practicality out the window? That's like throwing out the baby with the bath water!
2. Justice: Is a sense of justice really a virtue, or is only a tool that allows us to pass judgment on others without feeling guilty? What do you feel is the greatest injustice facing the world today?
Justice is so subjective that I don't consider it a virtue, rather I see it as a measure of "us" against "them." The greatest injustice facing the world today? I'm going to keep this local and a bit political as there are far too many injustices in the world to limit it to one. I'd say, in this country, it is the "socialization" of America - the complete and total deviation from the words/intent of our founding fathers. The sense of entitlement many here seem to feel and the intrusion of our government into everything from health care to personal relationships.
3. Temperance: All things in moderation. Should we allow ourselves a few excesses? How well do you restrain yourself when faced with your deepest desires?
Temperance is NOT my virtue. Moderation is 2-1/2 times a four-letter word! I may be restrained when facing my deepest desires, but hopefully I won't be restraining myself *wink*
4. Courage/Fortitude: How well do you confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation? Does facing the little things make you as brave as facing the big things?
Intimidation? I confront it quite well. Fear and uncertainty, not so well. Fear is what holds me back in most every aspect of my life. Fear of failure - fear of being vulnerable - fear of appearing foolish. And yes, the only way to be able to show bravery in the big things is to first exhibit it with the little things, for the little things for one may be the big things for another.
5. Faith: Is it important to have faith? How steadfast are you in your core beliefs? Do your core beliefs equate to faith in something?
Faith ... hmmmm ...
I think it is important to have faith in oneself. Faith in a God or higher power? I struggle with that one. I am fairly steadfast in my core beliefs, but as I get older I find that those core beliefs are mine and mine alone, and should not be "forced" on anyone else, nor used as a measurement tool of "good" and "evil." My core beliefs most closely equate to faith in the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
6. Hope: Does having hope for the future help you deal with the present? How good are you at finding the good in the bad? What is the thing you hope for most?
Hope in the future is what gets me out of bed every morning and I've always been one who believes there is always some good in any perceived bad. In fact, I would say that sometimes I am too much that way - finding the good when I really need to acknowledge the bad.
What do I hope for most? A happy, healthy son who finds his place in this world and enjoys every moment of it!
7. Love/Charity: How easy is it for you to give selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving-kindness? How easy is it for you to receive selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving-kindness?
I am far better at giving loving-kindness than I am at receiving it, although I am working on that particular skill. It's difficult to receive when you don't feel "deserving" - always wondering what the other person wants because they can't possibly be doing it just to see you happy.
I think any time your words/actions have the ability to negatively impact others, prudence is critical. Practicality out the window? That's like throwing out the baby with the bath water!
2. Justice: Is a sense of justice really a virtue, or is only a tool that allows us to pass judgment on others without feeling guilty? What do you feel is the greatest injustice facing the world today?
Justice is so subjective that I don't consider it a virtue, rather I see it as a measure of "us" against "them." The greatest injustice facing the world today? I'm going to keep this local and a bit political as there are far too many injustices in the world to limit it to one. I'd say, in this country, it is the "socialization" of America - the complete and total deviation from the words/intent of our founding fathers. The sense of entitlement many here seem to feel and the intrusion of our government into everything from health care to personal relationships.
3. Temperance: All things in moderation. Should we allow ourselves a few excesses? How well do you restrain yourself when faced with your deepest desires?
Temperance is NOT my virtue. Moderation is 2-1/2 times a four-letter word! I may be restrained when facing my deepest desires, but hopefully I won't be restraining myself *wink*
4. Courage/Fortitude: How well do you confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation? Does facing the little things make you as brave as facing the big things?
Intimidation? I confront it quite well. Fear and uncertainty, not so well. Fear is what holds me back in most every aspect of my life. Fear of failure - fear of being vulnerable - fear of appearing foolish. And yes, the only way to be able to show bravery in the big things is to first exhibit it with the little things, for the little things for one may be the big things for another.
5. Faith: Is it important to have faith? How steadfast are you in your core beliefs? Do your core beliefs equate to faith in something?
Faith ... hmmmm ...
I think it is important to have faith in oneself. Faith in a God or higher power? I struggle with that one. I am fairly steadfast in my core beliefs, but as I get older I find that those core beliefs are mine and mine alone, and should not be "forced" on anyone else, nor used as a measurement tool of "good" and "evil." My core beliefs most closely equate to faith in the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
6. Hope: Does having hope for the future help you deal with the present? How good are you at finding the good in the bad? What is the thing you hope for most?
Hope in the future is what gets me out of bed every morning and I've always been one who believes there is always some good in any perceived bad. In fact, I would say that sometimes I am too much that way - finding the good when I really need to acknowledge the bad.
What do I hope for most? A happy, healthy son who finds his place in this world and enjoys every moment of it!
7. Love/Charity: How easy is it for you to give selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving-kindness? How easy is it for you to receive selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving-kindness?
I am far better at giving loving-kindness than I am at receiving it, although I am working on that particular skill. It's difficult to receive when you don't feel "deserving" - always wondering what the other person wants because they can't possibly be doing it just to see you happy.
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