Ethical Principles
Frank, and many like her have helped me to mold my ethical stance, that being virtue ethics. I believe upholding a strong character, demonstrating compassion, temperance, and wisdom, while exemplifying ethical decisions in all I do is most important. If I lead by example, I am able to show others how rewarding virtue ethics, as a stance, can be. Moreover, if I am able to show others that acting ethically is profoundly rewarding, more individuals will act with high ethical character, and begin to avoid normal vices that often tempt us from ethical actions, like selfishness, retribution, and greed. In order to carry this out, I make it a point to avoid these vices myself, and resist them when they present themselves. I lead by example, and show others as often as possible how rewarding living a virtuously ethical life can be, both personally and professionally. Essentially, I follow the golden rule and treat others the way I would like to be treated, with the hopes they will understand and follow suit.
As stated, the ethical theory that best suits my decision is virtue ethics. It allows me to make the most of myself in terms of my character. I am able to live a personally and professionally ethical life, full of wisdom, but free of judgement. Virtue ethics, of course, offer the added bonus of living a life free from vices, while strengthening one’s character, and I have always found this the most appealing. I find myself living Frank’s quote, because my conscience is quiet, and so I become strong. Unlike others who have allowed vices to sully their reputation or their life, I do not owe anything to anybody. Instead, I have allowed myself to set a good example for others, and am taken more seriously by friends, acquaintances, and business contacts.
When speaking to myself in ten years, I would like to remind myself that it will be difficult to remain ethical and kind. In fact, it will likely only get more difficult as time goes on, but I must stay the course I have decided on. Virtue ethics, a quiet conscience, and treating others as I would like to be treated has gotten me farther than I ever thought it would. Thus far, it has been relatively easy, but the true test will come when I am faced with real challenges, challenges that test my vices. One day, between the day I write this and the day I read it, perhaps I was tempted by greed or retribution, and maybe it shook my ethical foundation. Maybe it even caused me to act in a way that did not accommodate my ethical stance. Both are okay because mistakes are okay. What is important is that I remember I am able to realign myself, and continue setting an example. I must stay quiet in conscience to stay strong in character. Only in this way can I hope to achieve the goals I have set for myself now, and in the future.
Works Cited
Frank, Anne. The Diary of a Young Girl. New York: Bantam, 1993. Print.
van Hooft, Stan. Understanding Virtue Ethics. New York: Routledge, 2014. Print.
