What it takes to be a moral exemplar?

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But, like any human being, Mother Teresa was also a complex figure. Some people, like the journalist Christopher Hitchens, have been very critical of her. They've raised questions about the conditions in her hospices, the sources of her funding, and her stance on certain social issues. They argue that her focus on spiritual salvation overshadowed the need for practical solutions to poverty, and that her image was carefully cultivated and didn't always reflect the reality of her work.

So, does someone like Mother Teresa count as a moral exemplar? That's a question with no easy answer. And it brings us to the heart of what it means to be a moral exemplar in the first place.

I think there are a few key things that make someone a moral exemplar. First, they have a deep and unwavering commitment to moral principles. They're not just good some of the time; they consistently strive to do what they believe is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. Second, they demonstrate these principles through their actions. It's not enough to just talk about being good; moral exemplars live their values. Third, they have a positive impact on the world. They make a difference in the lives of others, whether it's through direct service, advocacy, or simply inspiring others to be better.

Notice I didn't say anything about being perfect. That's because I don't think moral exemplars have to be morally perfect. In fact, I think the idea of a "perfect" moral exemplar is actually kind of dangerous. It sets an impossibly high standard, one that no human being can ever reach. And when we put people on pedestals, we set them up for a fall. We ignore their humanity, their flaws, and their struggles. We forget that they're just like us, trying to navigate the complexities of life and make the best choices they can.

I think it's more helpful to think of moral exemplars as works in progress. They're people who are constantly striving to be better, who are learning and growing and evolving. They make mistakes, they have doubts, they sometimes fall short of their own ideals. But what sets them apart is their commitment to keep trying, to keep learning, and to keep striving to live a life of integrity.

Mother Teresa, like any human being, was not without her flaws. The criticisms leveled against her are important and deserve to be considered. But I also think it's important to acknowledge the incredible amount of good she did in the world. She dedicated her life to serving the most vulnerable people, offering them compassion and care in the face of extreme poverty and suffering. She inspired countless others to do the same. Even if her methods weren't always perfect, her intentions were clearly rooted in a deep desire to help others.

For me, that makes her a moral exemplar, not because she was perfect, but because she embodied the qualities of compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to her values. She showed us what it looks like to live a life dedicated to something bigger than oneself. She reminds us that even in the face of immense challenges and imperfections, we all have the capacity to make a difference.

I think it's important to be critical of our heroes, to examine their lives with nuance and complexity. But I also think it's important to recognize the good that they do, the inspiration they provide, and the positive impact they have on the world. Moral exemplars aren't perfect, but they show us what's possible. They give us hope that we too can strive to live a life of purpose and meaning, a life dedicated to making the world a better place. And maybe, just maybe, that's enough.

Sample Answer

Imagine you're watching a movie about a superhero. They're strong, they fly, they save people from burning buildings. We admire them, right? A moral exemplar is kind of like a real-life superhero, but instead of super strength, they have extraordinary moral strength. They're the kind of people who inspire us to be better, who show us what it looks like to live a life dedicated to good. They're not perfect, but they strive to do what's right, even when it's hard, and they often make a real difference in the world. We look up to them, not because they're flawless, but because they embody the qualities we admire most in human beings.

Now, you might be thinking, "Like Mother Teresa?" That's a great example, and a complicated one. Mother Teresa is often held up as a moral exemplar, a woman who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. She cared for the sick and dying, offered them comfort and dignity, and inspired countless others to volunteer and donate to her mission. When we think of compassion and selfless service, she's one of the first people who comes to mind. She received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work, and many people consider her a saint.