My basic nature is to think, to contemplate. I contemplate a lot of things and some things I contemplate a lot. I find peace in a noisy world when I contemplate on what is good, true and gratuitous. I think it’s a good discipline to contemplate. In this present day, the noisy world I contemplate too on what seems to be - not right.

In 1994 while attending a conference the speaker (Now a good friend) said “Virtue is key. Not all values are virtues, yet all virtues are values.” I like that. Simple and yet profound. Makes you think, doesn’t it? Today, do we essentially have a virtuous society? Values can be subjective, virtues are transcendent and are not subjective. Everybody espouses the importance of values. Who is talking about virtues?

The founders of our nation over 200 years ago understood the supreme importance of a virtuous people/society. Have you contemplated much lately about what makes for a virtuous people/society?

Here’s a quote from over 200 years ago by someone who looked upon America’s greatness.
"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there; in her fertile fields and boundless prairies; and it was not there; in her rich mines and her vast commerce, and it was not there. Not until I visited the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” Alexis De Tocqueville

A former US President once quoted:
"We have never stopped sin by passing laws; and in the same way, we are not going to take a great moral ideal and achieve it merely by law." Dwight D. Eisenhower

Noted journalist George Will once quoted:
"Today it would be progress if everyone would stop talking about values. Instead, let us talk, as the Founders did, about virtues." George Will

I have a four-page document of quotes about virtue by numerous notable/quotable people if you’d like a copy. Let us know and it’ll be on its way.

Does virtue influence your financial decision making? Not sure? Give us a call.