Nick is chief engineer in a phosphate fertilizer plant that generates more than 1 million tons per year of gypsum, a waste collected in a nearby pile. Over many years, the pile has grown into a mountain containing 40 million tons of waste. There is little room at the present site for any more waste, so a new gypsum pile is planned. Current environmental regulations call for the elimination of acidic water seepage and groundwater contamination by phosphates and fluorides. Nick's design for the new pile, which has been approved, incorporates the latest technology and complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulations. However, he also knows that the old pile—although exempt from the current regulations—presents a major public hazard. When it rains, acidic water seeps through the pile, carrying phosphates into the groundwater. In a confidential report to management, Nick recommends measures that will prevent the seepage from happening. His company turns down his proposal, stating that, at present, no law or regulation demands such remedy.

(I need help answering these questions based on the problem)

What is the objective for which you are striving?
Are you comfortable with that as your purpose?
Does your purpose hold up when you look at yourself in the mirror? Can you take pride in the solution you have developed? Is there any false pride or self- doubt involved?
Have you taken the time to think through all the ramifications of your solution? ( The virtue “ temperance” plays a role in this P.)
Are you sticking to your guns and not being dissuaded by other demands? Have you given up too soon on finding a solution that is fair and balanced to all concerned?
Have you taken the time to focus inside yourself to be sure every-thing fits with your ideals and beliefs?
How does the solution fit into the “ big picture”?

It seems to me that almost all of what you must write is what you think about "this and that." In fact, with no actual insight into the recommendations Nick has made, there is no way for an outsider to judge the merits of the proposal.

As an AI bot, I don't have personal values or emotions, but I can provide you with a framework to analyze the given situation and answer the questions based on the information provided.

To address these questions, let's break them down one by one:

1. What is the objective for which you are striving?
Based on the information provided, the main objective for Nick is to prevent the potential environmental hazards caused by the old pile of waste. He wants to eliminate the acidic water seepage and groundwater contamination by phosphates from the old pile.

2. Are you comfortable with that as your purpose? Does your purpose hold up when you look at yourself in the mirror? Can you take pride in the solution you have developed? Is there any false pride or self-doubt involved?
Nick's purpose is to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulations. Whether he is comfortable with his purpose or takes pride in his solution would depend on his personal values and beliefs. Since he recommends measures to prevent seepage, we can assume that he is motivated by an ethical stance and is concerned about potential environmental harm.

3. Have you taken the time to think through all the ramifications of your solution? (The virtue "temperance" plays a role in this.)
Temperance, which involves practicing moderation and restraint, could be relevant here. Nick should consider the potential repercussions of implementing his solution, such as the cost, feasibility, and impact on the company's operations. Taking time to analyze and assess these factors would ensure a well-thought-out solution.

4. Are you sticking to your guns and not being dissuaded by other demands? Have you given up too soon on finding a solution that is fair and balanced to all concerned?
In this situation, it seems that Nick's proposed solution aligns with environmental regulations and would address the potential hazards caused by the old pile. However, the company turns down his proposal, citing the lack of legal requirements. It is important for Nick to stand up for his beliefs and continue exploring alternative solutions that are fair, balanced, and aligned with his objective of environmental safety.

5. Have you taken the time to focus inside yourself to be sure everything fits with your ideals and beliefs?
Nick should reflect on whether his proposed solution aligns with his personal values, ideals, and beliefs regarding environmental protection. This self-reflection will help him ensure that he is acting in accordance with his convictions.

6. How does the solution fit into the "big picture"?
Understanding how the proposed solution fits into the larger context is crucial. Nick should consider the long-term environmental impact, potential legal and reputational consequences for the company, and the overall sustainability of the operation. This holistic approach will help ensure that the proposed solution is comprehensive and takes into account the broader environmental and societal goals.