To acquire virtue requires us to repeat good acts consistently. While it can be difficult and even uncomfortable at times, this continual effort ultimately leads us to true freedom. Once we acquire virtue, we can more easily choose to do what is good. Virtues are essential in elected leaders because when a leader is virtuous, they are guided by the ways of God and hold firmly to the values He has always taught. The most important virtues for an elected leader to possess are the two pillars of justice and fortitude.
Through justice, the will is perfected. This involves a habitual alignment with right thinking and upright conduct toward one’s neighbor. With justice, leaders give both God and neighbor their due. Other virtues that flow from justice include obedience, devotion to duty, sincerity, honesty, respect, and reverence.
Within the virtue of fortitude, our irascible appetite—the part of our nature that drives us to confront challenges—is perfected. Fortitude ensures firmness in difficult situations and constancy in the pursuit of good. Virtues that flow from fortitude include faithfulness, patience, allegiance, and courage.
These two virtues are vital for a leader to possess. Without justice, leaders may fail to make decisions that consider the well-being of their neighbors. Without fortitude, leaders may crumble under pressure or struggle to handle conflict effectively. Overall, an elected leader must be strong, guided by a will to do good, and capable of managing adversity to lead their people in the right direction.
To determine whether a leader possesses these virtues, we must examine how they have handled past situations. To assess justice, we should observe whether the leader demonstrates fairness in decision-making and treats all people equally. Another key indicator is whether the leader recognizes and upholds the rights of all individuals. Finally, a just leader should be transparent about their decisions and accountable for their actions.
To evaluate fortitude, we must look at how a leader responds in the face of challenges. A virtuous leader shows courage, takes risks for the common good, and acts to promote the welfare of their citizens. They also demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks and persistence in achieving what is right.
In order to elect the right leader, citizens must consider more than just these virtues, yet justice and fortitude remain the core tenets to look for. It is essential for elected leaders to understand and embody each of the moral virtues—especially fortitude and justice. We can confirm the presence of these virtues by observing how a leader reacts in various situations and how they choose to act in moments that test their character.
By Kennedy Poparad