Michalyn Demaris’, PhD Program in Educational Leadership,

PVAMU 13 Virtues of SelfishnessWilliam Allan Kritsonis, PhD - Professor

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is

noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or

praiseworthy—think about such things.

Virtues of Selfishness

The thirteen virtues of selfishness are related to my attitude towards daily activities and the challenges that exist in life. By utilizing these traits I have developed good personal character in achieving personal goals. These virtues have also assisted me in shaping my attitude towards people with whom I have dealings and assisted me in developing good social character traits.

Temperance

Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Since I am pregnant I decided to use this virtue towards improving my health. I was overweight at the beginning of my pregnancy and was worried about gestational diabetes. As a result, I had to watch the foods that I consumed and limit the amount of junk foods that I ingested in order to ensure that I did not get gestational diabetes. This week I limited my intake and did very good. I was able to develop a meal plan that I will follow my entire pregnancy.

Proverbs 23When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for

that food is deceptive.

Order

Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

I continued to practice temperance this week and began to focus on a new virtue, order. Continuing to focus on my transition into motherhood I decided to clean up all of my affairs and get my house in order for the arrival of my baby. I decided to clean up my office and transition it into the baby’s nursery. I was successful in completing this project and also cleaned out my garage.

Deuteronomy 2:30But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass

through. For the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to give him

into your hands, as he has now done.

Resolution

Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

I continued to practice temperance and order this week and began to focus on a new virtue, resolution. This week I focused on preparing my life for motherhood. I spent time reading books in order to prepare myself for the big day. The most important thing about this week was that I was able to accomplish some of my plans for motherhood, which was a great enjoyable feeling.

Leviticus 12:6-8

When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of

Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl. If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the

priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.

Frugality

Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

I continued to practice temperance, order, and resolution this week and began to focus on a new virtue, frugality. This week I focused on utilizing my time more effectively. I worked to take advantage of every opportunity to do something nice for someone else.

Proverbs 11:16A kindhearted woman gains respect, but

ruthless men gain only wealth.

Moderation

Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, and frugality this week and began to focus on a new virtue, moderation. This week I experienced a lot of discomfort with my pregnancy this week and tried not to complain too much about the pain. I worked on improving relations with my coworkers and family members.

Romans 2:6-8God "will give to each person according to what he

has done.“ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will

give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will

be wrath and anger.

Industry

Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, and moderation this week and began to focus on a new virtue, industry. This week I worked to prepare the baby’s nursery. I went to the hardware store to convert the room into an ultimate baby heaven.

Proverbs 10:4Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands

bring wealth.

Cleanliness

Tolerate no un-cleanliness in body, cloths, or habitation.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, and industry this week and began to focus on a new virtue, cleanliness. After spending time cleaning my house in previous weeks I decided to spend time ensuring that it remained orderly to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood.

2 Corinthians 6:6In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in

the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.

Tranquility

Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, and cleanliness this week and began to focus on a new virtue, tranquility. I worked to remain peaceful with those that cause difficulty and remained silent when necessary.

Ecclesiastes 4:6Better one handful with tranquility than two

handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.

Silence

Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, cleanliness, and tranquility this week and began to focus on a new virtue, silence. I worked to limit my contributions to gossip and increased my heartfelt compliments towards others.

Job 29:21Men listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence

for my counsel.

Sincerity

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, cleanliness, tranquility, and silence this week and began to focus on a new virtue, sincerity. I worked to keep my mind free of selfishness, constantly being honest to myself and with others.

2 Corinthians 1:12Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that

we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to

God's grace.

Justice

Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, cleanliness, tranquility, silence, and sincerity this week and began to focus on a new virtue, justice. I continued to uphold my personal integrity and honesty in my daily activities.

Deuteronomy 16:20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is

giving you.

Chastity

Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, cleanliness, tranquility, silence, sincerity, and justice this week and began to focus on a new virtue, chastity. Since I am pregnant this virtue was easy to accomplish. I abstained from all sexual activity.

Proverbs 2:10For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge

will be pleasant to your soul.

Humility

Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

This week I continued to practice temperance, order, resolution, frugality, moderation, industry, cleanliness, tranquility, silence, sincerity, justice, and chastity this week and began to focus on the last virtue, humility. In all of my daily activities I will continue to uphold my Christianity and love my family as God loves the church.

Psalm 45:4In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right

hand display awesome deeds.