The cardinal virtues are a set of four virtues recognized in the writings of Classical Antiquity and, along with the theological virtues, also in Christian tradition. They consist of:
- Prudence - able to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time
- Justice - the perpetual and constant will of rendering to each one his right
- Temperance or Restraint - practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation; tempering the appetition
- Fortitude or Courage - forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear, uncertainty and intimidation
These were derived initially from Plato's scheme (see Protagoras 330b, which also includes piety (hosiotes)); expanded on by Cicero, and adapted by Saint Ambrose, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas (see Summa Theologica II(I).61). The term "cardinal" comes from the Latin cardo or hinge; the cardinal virtues are so called because they are hinges upon which the door of the moral life swings.
Read more about Cardinal Virtues: Relationship To The Theological Virtues, Depictions of The Virtues
Famous quotes related to cardinal virtues:
“Honest towards ourselves and towards anyone else who is our friend; brave towards the enemy; magnanimous towards the defeated; polite—always: this is how the four cardinal virtues want us to act.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“To this war of every man against every man, this also is consequent; that nothing can be Unjust. The notions of Right and Wrong, Justice and Injustice have there no place. Where there is no common Power, there is no Law; where no Law, no Injustice. Force, and Fraud, are in war the two Cardinal virtues.”
—Thomas Hobbes (1579–1688)