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)
“Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very slight acquaintance, and without any visible reason. Be upon your guard, too, against those who confess, as their weaknesses, all the cardinal virtues.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)