In this article we will talk about why it is important to acknowledge the virtues of others. We will see how such an act can improve your social surroundings and your own virtue.
It means a lot to us when others acknowledgment our actions. Humans are social beings by nature, so we find our place in society through our connections with others. We feel better when someone notices our improvement, so we should be equally ready to acknowledge others in the same way.
Having a healthy social life is important for our physical and mental wellbeing. Stoics knew this and advocated for the benefits of a cosmopolitan relationship between humans. In Stoic philosophy, we are all equal and of the same nature. All humans have one attribute that connects us across the globe, despite our many differences. That attribute is our minds.
Furthermore, all minds, while individually unique, share one important feature: they are the source of our virtue. All humans have the potential to become virtuous; however, that potential must be nurtured.
The Importance of Acknowledgment
When Stoics say that other minds are not of our concern, they are not saying we should not care about others; what they mean is that we don’t have any means to control them. Acknowledgment isn’t the act of control – it is the act of nurturing. We can’t peer into another’s mind, but we can take an objective view of their actions to see if a deed is virtuous or not.
Our actions show if our life is a virtuous one or not. Virtue can’t be hidden. It is in its nature to be exemplary and revealed. One can’t be considered courageous if one retreats in the face of obstacles. When we see someone who is acting virtuously, the best thing to do is to encourage such behavior and to show our good-will towards it. By showing gratitude to others and encouraging their virtuosity, we are laying down a path of virtue for others to follow. We can encourage others by living as an example of virtue and happiness, and thus lead others who are striving to be better in their lives.
Such acknowledgment is not necessary for those who are experienced in virtue– they would act that way without our acknowledgment, but it is important to emphasize good behavior nevertheless. Appreciating someone who is truly committed to the path of virtue is an additional incentive for us to be virtuous, as it also improves our virtue.
However, acknowledging others’ virtue does not come as easily to some as criticizing others’ downfalls. To those people, Marcus Aurelius would share a word:
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
Marcus Aurelius
Criticizing should never be deprecating; it should only be reflective. Before criticizing others’ behavior, we must turn to ourselves and re-examine our impressions and actions. We are not flawless, and therefore we need to remain tempered when coming to a judgement about other people. In the above quote, Marcus Aurelius is encouraging us to start with ourselves before pointing a finger at others. We imagine that we hold a higher ground while criticizing others, but the truth is that we are all on the same path of advancement.
Therefore, being tolerant and understanding of others who walk on the path of advancement is the best thing a person can do. Empathetically encouraging others gives them strength to endure their difficulties and thrive to be better.
“Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”
Marcus Aurelius
Meditation – Cherish The Advancement of Others
The goal of this meditation is to show you the importance of positive acknowledgment and to help you understand others better. Think about the feeling you get when you achieve a goal. Naturally, you feel like a winner; you feel strong enough to endure any future difficulties thrown at you. Now, reflect on the acknowledgment you received from others and how important that encouragement was for you to achieve that goal.
Now that you have reflected on your own nature, consider the strivings of others. If someone is trying to lose weight, it would be rude to criticize the methods and goals of that person. The best thing you can do is to support them and to acknowledge their accomplishments, however small they may be.
Acknowledgment is the best quality of an empathic personality. We can’t properly acknowledge something if we don’t understand the struggles that person has to endure. So, be patient with others in their progress and don’t overlook even the smallest advancements they have made.
