The IABC Handbook of Organizational Communication: A Guide to Internal Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, and Leadership

Who Is an Ideal Virtuous Person?

The ideal virtuous person is not an unrealistic fool, someone with unreasonable idealism. The ideal virtuous person is an individual who, as Aristotle would say, has “practical wisdom.” The ideal virtuous person is streetwise and savvy.

The ideal virtuous person is not dogmatic or driven by ideology but knows how to integrate the best ideas of the best thinkers and to act accordingly, leading by example and not by edict. The ideal virtuous person demonstrates authenticity and moral authority. Aristotle would add that the ideal virtuous person has the right motives, traits, and commitments.

Almost everyone knows someone in his or her life who is an ideal virtuous person … some of the time. Rarely is anyone an ideal ...