Character and Conduct – 21 June – Sound Judgment

WE are all inclined to judge of others as we find them.   Our estimate of a character always depends much on the manner in which the character affects our own interests and passions.   We find it difficult to think well of those by whom we are thwarted or depressed, and we are ready to admit every excuse for the vices of those who are useful or agreeable to us.

MACAULAY

TO judge is to see clearly, to care for what is just, and therefore to be impartial, – more exactly, to be disinterested, – more exactly still, to be impersonal.

Amiel’s Journal

OF all human faculties there is none which more enriches our lives than a sound moral judgment.   Genius is rarer and more wonderful.   But this surpasses even genius in the fact that it is not only in itself a virtue, but the fruitful mother of virtues.   It is as Aristotle said, ‘Given a sound judgment and all the virtues will follow in its train.’…   If the moral judgment is to be sound it must presuppose character, faculty to deliberate, and enlightenment.

The Making of Character, Professor MAcCUNN

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.