Self-control: An Endangered Virtue

Having been separated from the animal world by our conscience and the ability to reason, we must be proactive in determining the fate of our species. If we revert to such a primitive level as to ascribe the control of our consciences to our feelings, then we doom ourselves to an uncontrollable existence.

A Level of Priority

How do we know what’s most important in our lives? We pay attention to our needs and the needs of those in close proximity to us. Most people value their lives over a bit of senseless life-threatening fun. However, even that thrilling idea, as dangerous as it may be, loses its intimidation factor these days when compared to the adrenaline rush one gets. Unfortunately, no one has the opportunity to learn from that mistake the hard way, because when the mistake hits them, it’s too late.

It’s time for us humans to sort out our priorities. We need to take stock in what’s more important, and the less important must be put on the wayside, or be left alone entirely. We need to put our humanity first and our desires last. We need to learn that there are always consequences for our heedless impulses. The foolish young mother whose man has left her, but goes to buy drugs instead of diapers, has not learned that important lesson.

The Lure of Feelings Above Facts

You’ve heard it said “trust your heart” or “trust your instincts”. Yet these commands have lost their original meaning and have become tainted with a much baser motive. To trust your heart does not mean to trust your feelings above the facts, it means to take into consideration your feelings when making a reasonable decision. To trust your instincts does not give one the priviliege of denying anyone a fair-minded or equitable judgement, it means to allow your intuition to help you discern the ideal above the ignorant.

It is tempting to give in to our feelings — they lead us so easily sometimes. It is natural to be tempted. It is, however, crossing the line, to allow your feelings to lead you beyond your intuition and into bias. Bias is the fuel that starts so many unwarranted fires. A few of those fires are: gossip, slander, cursing others, bigotry, and hypocrisy. Do we really need to keep these burning?

Let Us Revive The Virtues

It was once a noble thing to call a fellow man “sir,” or to use your manners by saying “may I,” and “please.” Once in awhile you still hear it. But what happened to holding your tongue when you had something rude to say? Where did the idea go that we should never let another’s invectives get the better of us? What happened that the average person can’t remain calm in the face of adversity? Has our Western attitude become so consumed with personal gratification and mired in the heat of our constant bathing in emotions that we fail to see the importance of self-control?

At any rate, I think it’s obvious that self-control has become an endangered virtue. I think it’s time for that to change. What about you?