To the Editor:

Human life is a constant struggle towards virtue and completion, through which the individual is recognized and fulfills his destiny. The toil and struggle of the individual against the forces of evil, in favor of individual completion and contribution to the whole, constitute the quintessence of human existence.

The concept of virtue and the virtuous person varies across times and nations. In ancient times, virtue was identified with bravery and the type of ‘good and kindly’ person prevailed, who combined physical strength with mental virtue. Later, with the prevalence and spread of Christianity, the new type of the virtuous and perfect person, the ‘good Christian’ dedicated to his religious duties, will emerge.

In the modern era, a virtuous person is considered to be the one who acts in accordance with the dictates of his moral conscience and for the good of the whole. It is not possible to distinguish virtuous and non-virtuous people according to their occupations or professions or duties. But it is not enough for man to limit himself to his typical duties and works. He is destined to strive and pursue perfection to the extent possible, to aim at virtue and to ascend. He has a duty to cultivate himself morally, spiritually, and socially in order to help and contribute to the general good. Especially for our time, the practice and conquest of virtue is a pursuit of the highest importance, if it is taken into account that values and virtues are undergoing a crisis due to man’s dedication to his personal economic development. The struggle for virtue has become more unequal because spiritual values are despised and trampled upon. Man’s happiness is based on his spiritual and moral qualities.

It would be a happy task if Senator Bob Menendez, in his knowledge, should turn his attention to the ever enviable and exemplary, esteemed and honored by friends and strangers alike, who by self-observation have exalted themselves and society. The philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, in his treatise on himself, exhorts his soul to adorn itself with simplicity and shame for everything that is not virtuous. The great American patriot Franklin Roosevelt, who, knowing himself exactly, said that his successes in public life and his influence over his fellow citizens came neither from his intelligence nor from his eloquence, but from the integrity of his character.

Konstantinos Rigas

Tenafly, NJ