My father wants people to take me seriously and so I must conduct myself in thought, word and deed in the appropriate manner. He expects to see self-discipline and self-control instead of indiscipline, levity, and a manner lacking due respect.
His complaints are that I am spending too much time on the iPad, that Legos are scattered all over the floor, that I am annoying and hitting my brother and sister, talking too much, flicking implements, gesturing, and indulging in feigned clumsiness such as falling into walls.
After examining his comments, it seems I am violating two cardinal virtues, temperance and justice, and the added virtue of self-control. By spending so much time on my iPad, I don’t have time to do other activities and then after a while I find it boring. My intemperance is making me bored at my favorite activity. An example of injustice is that I forget or am too lazy to clean up my workspace. This is an injustice to the housekeepers. All the other complaints are examples of inappropriate behavior on my part. When I play around and act like a fool, I am showing signs of an excess of levity. Instead, as the eldest sibling, I should lead by example, show support to them, and help them in their needs.
Recently I saw a video called Happy and Glorious in which for the opening ceremony of the London Olympics the Queen meets James Bond. The Queen agreed to participate in the BBC production which shows that even she has levity, yet in the short film itself at no time does she lose her dignity, her nobility, her grandeur. She is at all times majestic, composed, dignified, distinguished, and lady-like. Levity does not have to involve acting like a buffoon. She showed just the right amount to earn respect and admiration for her performance. She showed that she does have a sense of humor, but it did not compromise her standing.
James Bond came across as unflappable, imperturbable, calm, cool, and in total control of himself. He wasn’t overawed or fazed by the occasion. A common trait they both shared was they were both taciturn and did not speak unnecessarily. When he did speak, he did not stutter and spoke clearly. He spoke with authority. He possessed more than a little charm and charisma that made his character stand out.
Recently I have been pondering the concept of virtue and how to present myself favorably in front of others. I can learn by the example of others on how they conduct themselves. James Bond and the Queen certainly gave me some pointers. From my father I would like to mimic some of his qualities such as his justice and fairness as he is a very honest man. Another quality I admire from him is that he is a hardworking and diligent person. The character Captain Blackadder in Blackadder Goes Forth possesses an intelligent sense of humor and wit which endears him to us. You can’t be stern all the time even in places of authority, but the trick is to combine gravitas with levity and yet not lose control of myself.
Other qualities I would like to have are kindness, a genuine concern and compassion for others. The new Jalal is going to possess gravitas yet with a sense of humor and charm. He is going to speak clearly and confidently on intellectual issues. His self-control will be evident by the way he holds himself, standing up straight, shoulders back, eyes focused, a polite smile, a confident look, arms behind his back. No more slouching, sloppiness, falling into walls, puerile gestures, or inappropriate shouting. It is now below my dignity to indulge in such puerile behavior.
Acting in a mature and respectful manner will both please my father and enhance my own self-respect. I have already started on this venture.