The Virtues
Catechism of the Catholic Church - On the Virtues: The Virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible ease, self mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life. The virtuous man is he who freely practises the good.” - CCC. The virtues are an angelic choir. The rank of the cardinal virtues is held by prudence; then comes justice, fortitude, and finally temperance. The moral virtues are acquired by human effort. They are the fruit and seed of morally good acts; they dispose all the powers of the human being for communion with divine love.
The IV Cardinal Virtues
Prudentia — “Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where he is going.", "Keep sane and sober for your prayers." Prudence is "right reason in action (CCC1806)." Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. The ability to discern the appropriate course of action to be taken in a given situation at the appropriate time. Prudence is called the Auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues) as it guides the other virtues. Prudence is depicted with a book, scroll, mirror, occasionally attacked by a serpent. — Memory. Understanding. Knowledge. Wisdom. Docility. Shrewdness. Reason. Foresight. Circumspection. Caution. Counsel. Synesis. Gnome. Vices Against Prudence: Precipitation. Inconsideration. Inconstancy. Negligence. Carnal Prudence. Craftiness. Guile. Fraud.
Iustitia — “Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbour. Justice toward God is called the "virtue of religion." Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbour (CCC1807).” Justice is the rectification of human acts, the ability to stand up for what is righteous, to render each their due by perpetual will, the application of Truth and the ability to regulate oneself in dealings with others. Justice is depicted with a sword, balance scales and a crown. — Commutative. Legal. Distributive. Restitution. Religion. Devotion. Adjuration. Piety. Patriotism. Observances. Dulia. Obedience. Diligence. Gratitude. Just Vindication. Truthfulness. Friendliness. Almsgiving. Epieikeia. Vices Against Justice: Acceptation of Persons. Murder. Mutilation. Theft. Robbery. Judgement. Perjury. Contumely. Detraction. Murmuring. False Accusation. Slander. Derision. Malediction. Usury. Illicit Adjuration. Superstition. Idolatry. Divination. Witchcraft. Tempting God. Sacrilege. Simony. Disobedience. Vengefulness. Falsity. Hypocrisy. Boasting. Ingratitude. Irony. Adulation. Litigious. Avarice. Wastefulness.
Fortitudo — “Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defence of a just cause (CCC1808).” Fortitude is the hallmark of masculinity, it is the willingness to confront the arduous, painful, scornful, frightening and dangerous. Fortitude is depicted with an armour, club, lion, tower, column. — Bravery. Magnanimity. Magnificence. Patience. Perseverance. Longanimity. Honour. Diligence. Vitality. Mortification. Vices Against Fortitude: Fear. Fearlessness. Audacity. Presumption. Pusillanimity. Effeminacy. Pertinacity. Ambition. Inane Glory. Stinginess.
Temperantia — “Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honourable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion (CCC1809).” Temperance is the Discipline of oneself. Temperance is the act, power, or habit of having oneself under the control of the will, enlightened by reason and faith, into alignment with the divine will of God. Temperance is the virtue by which a man crucifies the desires of his sinful nature, away from the unending torment of pleasures and towards the delights of glory, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Temperance is depicted with a wheel, bridle and reins, vegetables and fish, cup, water and wine in two cups. — Humility (the obligation to strive for one’s own excellence according to the way ordained by God, praying and expecting divine helps). Conscience. Shame. Honesty. Discipline. Restraint. Abstinence. Fasting. Sobriety. Continence. Chastity. Virginity. Clemency/Meekness. Modesty. Eutrapelia. Sportsmanship. Decorum. Silence. Studiosity. Simplicity. Discretion. Vices Against Temperance: Gluttony. Drunkenness. Lust. Masturbation Fornication. Adultery. Rape. Incest. Incontinence. Anger. Cruelty. Sadism. Pride. Curiosity. Crudity. Immodesty. Exuberance. Sloth.
The III Theological Virtues
Spes: Hope is Awaitance of Beatitude. Confidence in God’s Aid. Vices Against Hope: Desperation. Presumption.
Fides: Faith is Assent to the Deposit of Faith. Vices Against Faith: Infidelity. Heresy. Apostasy. Blasphemy.
Caritas: Charity is Love of God and Love of Neighbor for the Sake of God. Vices Against Charity: Hatred of God. Sloth. Envy. Discord. Contention. Schism. Unjust War. Quarrelling. Scandal.