3. Some Words Possible to Practice

Beeause an honorable virtue like dignity cannot easily be achieved, it is difficult to practice its power, Yet there are innumerably many virtues less than the above-mentioned virtue. From now on we have to pursue virtues, Occidental or Oriental, helpful to the restoration of ethics and conscience in modern society. Here, the author will review some virtues which we must practice.

Firstly, in oredr to establish a warm society we should understand wholly the meanings of such words as ‘integrity’, ‘kindness’, ‘honesty’, ‘order’, ‘patience’, and ‘one’s own station in life’; and practice the virtues personally to evoke their power. Secondly, we should deeply understand the meanings of such words as ‘service’, ‘sacrifice’, ‘cooperation’, ‘hierarchical order’, and ‘discernment between the public and the private’ forming the ground of community; and practice the virtues enthusiastically to spread their power. Thirdly, in order to cultivate refined cultural consciousness we should be clearly aware of the meanings of such words as ‘concession’, ‘manners’, and ‘a sense of shame’; and maximize their power. Fourthly, in order to have a correct appreciation of history we must understand the meanings of such words as ‘rationality’, ‘valuation’, ‘practice’, and ‘courage’; and utilize their power.

The above virtues may appear to have nothing to do with one another, but they are not independent or exclusive. Rather, they are complementary. Largely, as all words unexceptionally mean positive values, a home will be warmer and a society will be gentler and a nation will be infinitely more peaceful, if we practice their meanings in our daily lives.

A complicated society like ours today is not able to solve everything just with laws and regulations. We should awake our dormant conscience and sense of honor, and encourage our negative autonomy and rationality, and finally think and behave for ourselves. Our(national) language includes a rich store of words to express the virtues we need. If we rightly understand their meanings and put the ideas into practice, it is not only the way to maximize the stength of our(national) language in our daily lives but also the shortest path to enhancing our spiritual and cultural climate.