Seven Virtues
By Jade Braden
When I was in my senior year of high school, out of all the
subjects we discussed, my English teacher enjoyed talking about the medieval
ages to the class with heartfelt excitement. In particular, his favorite
subject was King Arthur’s knights. What made these medieval men stand out to
him were the codes of honor that those knights practiced rigorously which
showed signs of a true knight. Following the completion of high school, I
realized that knights were not the only ones capable of gaining these virtues
that were memorable enough to write stories and poems about these great men.
Numerous sources, from Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, to the
Catholic catechism describe these “knightly” virtues into seven specific
virtues.
In the Catholic catechism, the seven virtues were
categorized into two sections: the four cardinal virtues include prudence,
justice, restraint (temperance) and courage (fortitude) and then the three
theological virtues are faith, hope, and love (charity). Another individual named Aurelius Prudentius later
revised the list of virtues through his poem, “Psychomachia” (or
“Battle/Contest of the Soul”) as the seven heavenly virtues to combat the seven
deadly sins which many people such as you may have heard about through the
media’s popular portrayal of these vices. These virtues became chastity,
temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.
In this blog entry, I am offering the audience a chance to view
these virtues, their vices and the meanings associated with those virtues. As
you read each virtue, consider the roles of these virtues or counteracting
vices in your life and how you, close ones, or society reacted to any virtue or
vice active in your life. Often, people are not aware of the vices that take
hold of them but by recognizing the vices, the person receives the option to
continue fulfilling vices or appeal to a contrary virtue. Ultimately, the
choice is up to that individual. With that, glean what you can from the list of
virtues with their respective vices and enjoy!
- Virtue: (Vice)
i.e., Alternative meaning of virtue word
Meaning of virtue
- Chastity: (Lust)
i.e., Purity, knowledge, honesty, wisdom
Incorporating chastity is to abstain from sexual contact,
refraining from intoxicants. One becomes honest with oneself and others. One
embraces moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought through education
and betterment.
- Temperance: (Gluttony)
i.e., Self-control, justice, honor, abstention
There is constant mindfulness of others and one’s
surroundings. One takes caution to judge between actions with regard to
appropriate actions at a given time. There is proper moderation between
self-interest versus public-interest, and against the rights and needs of
others.
- Charity: (Greed)
i.e., Love, will, benevolence, generosity, sacrifice
Charity is not the same as simply giving money out to
homeless people. Charity or Love as a congruent definition is loving kindness
towards all others, self-sacrificial. The sacrificing of oneself can include a
sacrifice of one’s time, services, finances, etc.
- Diligence: (Sloth)
i.e., Persistence, effort, ethics, rectitude
One has a zealous and careful nature in ones’ work and
actions. One has a decisive work ethic, is steadfast in belief, fortitude, and
has the capability of not giving up. One budgets ones’ time, monitoring one’s
own activities to guard against laziness. One upholds ones’ convictions
regardless if others are watching or not, indicating integrity.
- Patience: (Wrath)
i.e., Peace, mercy, sufferance
There is forbearance and endurance through moderation. One
resolves conflicts and injustice peacefully as opposed to resorting to
violence. One accepts the grace to forgive, show mercy to others. Create a
sense of community and stability.
- Kindness: (Envy)
i.e., Satisfaction, loyalty, compassion, integrity
Empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment. There is unselfish
love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite. One has positive outlooks
and a cheerful demeanor. One inspires kindness in others.
- Humility: (Pride)
i.e., Bravery, modesty, reverence, altruism
It involves modest
behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Humility is not thinking
less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. It is a spirit of
self-examination. Courage of the heart is necessary to undertake tasks which
are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices
involved. There is reverence for those who have the wisdom and those who
selflessly teach in love. One gives credit where its’ due while not unfairly
glorifying one’s one self. One becomes faithful to promises, no matter how big
or small they can be. One refrains from despair and the ability to confront
fear and uncertainty, or intimidation
Very thought provoking! I especially resonated with the sentence: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." I think a lot of people think Humility is synonymous with putting oneself down. If we are OK with ourselves as worthy people, then we can relax and think of others without sacrificing our selves.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jade!