7/24 On Male Modesty and Integrity 2

Returning to the subject of modesty for men, another instance in which we can be virtuous is in terms of humility and meekness. Arrogance -- to attribute achievements to yourself in a way to either put others down or to raise yourself up -- is the most obvious. It can be more subtle, however. That's why biblically, virtuous acts of altruism, selflessness, and charity must be done in private. There is a certain discipline in denying yourself the pragmatic benefits of these acts and doing them such that they serve the good in and of itself only. Virtue must be pursued for its own sake -- not for societal approval, to feel good about oneself, or for anything other than moral goodness. 

The only other reason for pursuing charity that is justified other than carrying out the good is to build the virtuous character. But it shouldn't be the only reason -- imagine saying that the only reason why I help poor people is to build up my own moral character. This is intuitively wrong. 

In conclusion, the only reason why we should help others is because (1) it is categorically good, and (2) it is helpful towards our virtuous character such that we might do more categorically good things in the future. 

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