Staff Reports
In a world teetering on the brink of absurdity, virtues have become the lifeboat we all need. Let’s take courage, for example. Courage—also known as fortitude—stands as a key virtue; it’s one of the traditional cardinal virtues, alongside prudence, justice, and temperance. It requires a sturdy backbone of grit to stand for one’s convictions, even when faced with the pitchfork-wielding mob of social media warriors.
Next, there’s prudence—often overshadowed, yet as necessary as a sturdy umbrella in a rainstorm. Prudence is when you decide not to shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater just because you felt like it. It’s having the sensibility to choose your battles wisely. In our current cultural landscape, prudence is scrolling past the latest outrage bait and pouring that energy into more fruitful endeavors, like learning the art of baking bread or reading a book. Prudence is the calm in the storm, a virtue that’s perhaps even more critical now, as the whirlwind of chaos swirls around us.
Then comes temperance, a virtue that involves self-restraint and moderation in all things. It’s about knowing when enough is enough and practicing balance in our indulgences and desires. In a time when excess often seems to be the norm, temperance offers a path of moderation and understanding.
Justice joins the parade of virtues, waving its flag of fairness and equality. Justice is letting people reap what they sow. But here’s a twist for the modern thinker: one can’t truly have justice without a sprinkle of forgiveness. Those who aim for justice should remember that it should not be deluded with revenge. True justice ensures that transgressions are corrected, and forgiveness ensures that we can move forward without the cumbersome baggage of bitterness and grudge-holding.
While beauty is a concept lauded for its ability to provide joy, it is not traditionally classified as a virtue alongside the cardinal or theological virtues. Rather, the cardinal virtues encourage us to live in accordance with the principles of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Nonetheless, beauty, much like truth, can indeed speak to the hearts without uttering a single word, adding vibrancy to our lives and reminding us of the transcendent qualities that lift us beyond the mundane. Blessed are those who embrace this notion with grace and generosity.
