Virtue, by definition, is the moral excellence of a person. Morally excellent people have a character made up of virtues valued as good. They are honest, respectful, courageous, forgiving and kind, for example. They do the right thing, and don't bend to impulses, urges or desires, but act according to values and principles. Some might say good qualities are inborn. Actually, virtues need to be cultivated. With the habit of being virtuous, we can take control of our lives and move them in the direction of greater happiness and fulfillment.
Virtues are universal and recognized by all cultures as basic qualities of well-being. However, practicing virtues is not easy. So often we know that it takes perseverance to reach our goals, and we still never get there. We know if we forgive, we'll be less angry. We know it takes courage to accomplish great things. So why then, if we know what to do, are we still stuck?
Because we have not yet consciously applied a virtue to a given situation so as to change its outcome such as in these examples: kindness towards someone who is having a bad day can make him or her smile and build rapport; trust in a relationship creates valuable, meaningful relationships; gratitude in a job loss can shift our focus from feeling low to how we can have a new, more fulfilling career; service to others can change lives, better neighborhoods and create stronger nations.
We know we are becoming more virtuous people, not only because of the results above but also because of the way other people respond to us. Our friends, families, co-workers, and neighbors will trust and rely on us. They will come to us for guidance and help. They will want to be around us because we inspire them to be better people. Practicing virtues allows us to develop our potential, and live a more purposeful, better life.
8. What can we know about virtuous people from the first paragraph?
A.They are born with virtue. | B.They never make a mistake. |
C.They have a habit of doing good. | D.They act on the principle of profit. |
9. What is the second paragraph mainly about?
A.Satisfying career. | B.Practicing virtues. |
C.Trust in a relationship. | D.Basic qualities of well-being. |
10. What does the underlined word “rapport” mean in the third paragraph?
A.A good greeting. | B.A great atmosphere. |
C.A good goodbye. | D.A close relationship. |
11. What is the author's purpose in the last paragraph?
A.To encourage readers to be more virtuous. |
B.To encourage readers to live a purposeful life. |
C.To encourage readers to offer others guidance. |
D.To encourage readers to develop others' potential. |