The Seven Virtue Academy
George Washington and all the founders of America knew that a self-governing republic could only survive if its citizens cared to be moral. They saw virtue as the cornerstone that makes the self-governance of free people possible, and in truth, it is the only glue that will ever be able to hold this nation together. They sought to live virtuous lives, however imperfectly, knowing that if you remove that moral foundation, the entire American project will perish from the earth.
We have put this collection together so that many people can stand up and say: virtue matters, the truth matters, character matters. The founders and the people who built this land understood this simple truth: a nation where the People govern themselves needs personal character to be the cornerstone of the entire project. We understand that each act or participation on its own is but a small rock. But out of many small rocks, we build a house.
Laws alone cannot stop a society from descending into chaos. If a people cannot govern their own desires and passions, bad actors and tyrants will inevitably step in to take away our freedoms. Benjamin Franklin understood this well. He made a deliberate decision to live according to a list of classic virtues. Each day he read his list, and each week he focused intensely on a single trait, repeating the process over and over until those habits became one with his character. Similarly, we advocate that these core Seven Classic Virtues inspire your day, and thereby become part of the beating heart of the nation's life.
That enduring American example is the foundation of The Seven Virtue Academy. We believe the seven classic virtues—Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, Faith, Hope, and Love—are time-tested stepping stones toward better character and life. They are a strong foundation for the pursuit of happiness. They are powerful tools to improve the quality of our lives, and to elevate moral behavior in our national life. Out of the many, one.
In addition, we encourage you to start a conversation with your neighbors and all members of our American family. We are not enemies, but neighbors and friends. Even if passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
By proudly wearing the virtue closest to your heart, you are doing more than putting on a piece of clothing. You stand for something classic. And, importantly, you are helping to build the moral character of the nation, one rock and tee at a time.
We look forward to your participation and hearing feedback regarding our Virtue Academy collection.
Prudence: Practice wisdom in all things. Take the long view into consideration. Ask if this will endure many days and years from now. Make wise choices and use good judgment, with friends, neighbors, and projects alike.
Justice: Treat everyone with respect, and the dignity they deserve. All parents know that every child has an ingrained sense of justice and fairness. We all do. Our world needs justice and a shared moral standard to endure. Give each person their rightful due.
Fortitude: Be courageous, act honorably. Be strong and show the mental endurance to do what is right even when it is difficult. Complete the tasks and projects you take on even when it requires you to endure hardships.
Temperance: Practice self-control and moderation. Study, listen to your neighbors and your own mind, and do not let your emotions carry you too far or let sudden cravings take over. Seek to find balance in all things.
Faith: Trust in a higher purpose, and divine guidance. We all know in our heart of hearts that there is more to the universe than meets the eye. That is why there is no atheist in a foxhole. Have faith; your life has a higher purpose.
Hope: Be optimistic and hopeful each and every day. Desire and expect that positive outcomes are always possible—even if they are not guaranteed. Hope is given life with diligent optimism and the unwavering expectation of a better future.
Love: Be patient. Be kind. Have empathy. Listen to and walk with your neighbors. It is only with your heart that you can truly see. Give your time gracefully and practice generosity toward your fellow travelers.
