the language of virtue embodied in these scouting principles owes much i'm assuming to a heritage going back even to the ancient Greeks (Aristotle among others), was added to later with the cardinal virtues (faith, hope and charity/love), and is one of the defining characteristics influencing the Western tradition as i understand it.
the definition, recognition and necessity of virtue (courage as one example) as being the mean between excess (rashness in this case) and deficit (cowardice in relation to courage) is an essential tool in combating the fanatical absolutism we confront today and is considered an intellectual and moral cornerstone to the pursuit and achievement of Happiness mentioned in our Constitution.
ideally along with scouting our liberal arts tradition in our universities would hopefully promote these virtues. i have been impressed by the similarity in the principles Benjamin Franklin (who has even been called "The First American" in a biography by the same name because of his influence on our country) composed for himself regarding doing his duty and what later became the Scout Law:
"In as much as by Reason of our Ignorance We cannot be Certain that many Things Which we often hear mentioned in the Petitions of Men to the Deity, would prove REAL GOODS if they were in our Possession, and as I have Reason to hope and believe that the Goodness of my Heavenly Father will not withold from me a suitable Share of Temporal Blessings, if by a VIRTUOUS and HOLY Life I merit his Favour and Kindness, Therefore I presume not to ask such Things, but rather Humbly, and with a sincere Heart express my earnest Desires that he would graciously assist my Continual Endeavours and Resolutions of eschewing Vice and embracing Virtue; Which kind of Supplications will at least be thus far beneficial, as they remind me in a solemn manner of my Extensive DUTY.
That I may be preserved from Atheism and Infidelity, Impiety and Profaneness, and in my Addresses to Thee carefully avoid Irreverence and Ostentation, Formality and odious Hypocrisy,
Help me, O Father
That I may be loyal to my Prince, and faithful to my Country, careful for its Good, valiant in its Defence, and obedient to its Laws, abhorring Treason as much as Tyranny,
Help me, O Father
That I may to those above me be dutiful, humble, and submissive, avoiding Pride, Disrespect and Contumacy,
Help me, O Father
That I may to those below me, be gracious, Condescending and Forgiving, using Clemency, protecting Innocent Distress, avoiding Cruelty, Harshness and Oppression, Insolence and unreasonable Severity,
Help me, O Father
That I may refrain from Calumny and Detraction; that I may avoid and abhor Deceit and Envy, Fraud, Flattery and Hatred, Malice, Lying and Ingratitude,
Help me, O Father
That I may be sincere in Friendship, faithful in Trust, and impartial in Judgment, watchful against Pride, and against Anger (that momentary Madness),
Help me, O Father
That I may be just in all my Dealings and temperate in my Pleasures, full of Candour and Ingenuity, Humanity and Benevolence,
Help me, O Father
That I may be grateful to my Benefactors and generous to my Friends, exerting Charity and Liberality to the Poor, and Pity to the Miserable,
Help me, O Father
That I may avoid Avarice, Ambition, and Intemperance, Luxury and Lasciviousness,
Help me, O Father
That I may possess Integrity and Evenness of Mind, Resolution in Difficulties, and Fortitude under Affliction; that I may be punctual in performing my Promises, peaceable and prudent in my Behaviour,
Help me, O Father
That I may have Tenderness for the Weak, and a reverent Respect for the Ancient; That I may be kind to my Neighbours, good-natured to my Companions, and hospitable to Strangers,
Help me, O Father
That I may be averse to Craft and Overreaching, abhor Extortion, Perjury, and every kind of Wickedness,
Help me, O Father
That I may be honest and Openhearted, gentle, merciful and Good, chearful in Spirit, rejoicing in the Good of Others,
Help me, O Father
That I may have a constant Regard to Honour and Probity; That I may possess a perfect Innocence and a good Conscience, and at length become Truly Virtuous and Magnanimous, Help me, Good God,
Help me, O Father
And forasmuch as Ingratitude is one of the most odious of Vices, let me not be unmindful gratefully to acknoledge the Favours I receive from Heaven."
Franklin also ennumerated 13 virtues he tried to follow, each laying a foundation for the pursuit of the others:
( see
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/franklin-virtue.html )
"1 . Temperance.
Eat not to Dullness
Drink not to Elevation.
2. Silence.
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself.
Avoid trifling Conversation.
3. Order.
Let all your Things have their Places.
Let each Part of your Business have its Time.
4. Resolution.
Resolve to perform what you ought.
Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality.
Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself:
i.e. Waste nothing.
6. Industry.
Lose no Time. Be always employ'd in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.
7. Sincerity.
Use no hurtful Deceit.
Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice.
Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.
9. Moderation.
Avoid Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness.
Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Clothes or Habitation.
11 . Tranquillity.
Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity.
Rarely use Venery but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another's Peace or Reputation.
13. Humility.
Imitate Jesus and Socrates."
my hope is that Scouting may continue to thrive and a language of virtue may continue to inform our culture
eagle scout ...with a few feathers now missing :-)