Prudence Versus Cunning and False Prudence
In the Christian understanding, the difference between prudence and cunning lies in the intent with which the decision of the context of an action is made. The Christian understanding of the world includes the existence of God, the natural law and moral implications of human actions. In this context, prudence is different from cunning in that it takes into account the supernatural good. For instance, the decision of persecuted Christians to be martyred rather than deny their faith is considered prudent. Pretending to deny their faith could be considered prudent from the point of view of a non-believer.
Judgments using reasons for evil ends or using evil means are considered to be made through "cunning" and "false prudence" and not through prudence.
On another hand, Prudence with Prudential judgements based on good wills towards each other for "Peace","gloriousness" & "joy" of themself or/and another. Without evil reasons or/and without cause emotional sorrow to themself or/and to another.And without cause trouble(s) to themself or/and to another.
Read more about this topic: Prudence
Famous quotes containing the words prudence, cunning and/or false:
“Housekeeping is not beautiful; it cheers and raises neither the husband, the wife, nor the child; neither the host nor the guest; it oppresses women. A house kept to the end of prudence is laborious without joy; a house kept to the end of display is impossible to all but a few women, and their success is dearly bought.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The demagogue is usually sly, a detractor of others, a professor of humility and disinterestedness, a great stickler for equality as respects all above him, a man who acts in corners, and avoids open and manly expositions of his course, calls blackguards gentlemen, and gentlemen folks, appeals to passions and prejudices rather than to reason, and is in all respects, a man of intrigue and deception, of sly cunning and management.”
—James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851)
“In spite of rock and tempest’s roar,
In spite of false lights on the shore,
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea!
Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee,
Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears,
Our faith triumphant o’er our fears,
Are all with thee,—are all with thee!”
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1809–1882)