You may have heard of Virtual Reality, but the tale of Horton Hears a Who, by Dr. Seuss, illustrates an example of Virtuous Reality. To possess courage in the face of opposition, and to stand firm for what you believe is true, is a benefit of the constructive mindset.
The constructive mindset is about knowing the difference between a person and a potato (the potato represents an idea of justice/injustice; a problem). Although some people are “big,” having power and support, “small” people have a voice too. Everyone has a relationship with justice. The constructive mindset allows us to hear what people have to say, no matter how big or small, making life be about what is true rather than about power.
Some of the proclamations in the cartoon version of Horton Hears a Who are: “Make yourself heard”, “Make yourself known”, “We are here”, “The people had spoken, no matter how small”, Be kind to your small person friends”, and of course, “A person is a person, no matter how small”, and “A person is a person after all.” These are constructive statements.
The four cardinal virtues, as understood in classic history, are identified as justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude. Let us examine how the elephant Horton exhibits these virtues. Justice is about loving unconditionally; to stand firm for the sake of the small people, in the face of ridicule and abuse, shows Horton’s love. Prudence has to do with wisdom; Horton had the wisdom to encourage the Who’s in Whoville to speak for themselves. Temperance has to do with trust; Horton did not lash back at those who were persecuting him, but trusted that truth would win the day if the small voices could be heard. Fortitude has to do with courage; we have seen the courage of Horton in action.
May we learn this lesson from Horton: “A person is a person, no matter how small.” May we, like Horton the elephant, never forget to form and apply this constructive mindset, and therefore to live in Virtuous Reality. Who knows what could happen with this kind of love?