Classical Greek philosophers identified the formost virtues. These four are the principle virtues, upon which the rest of the moral virtues rest.

Prudence

This means taking the trouble to think through to the most likely outcome your action will have. In other words, practical common sense. Synonyms are: discretion, forethought and circumspection. Having good judgement, requires we think ahead and forsee what we will reap from what we have planted. Prudence involves self-restraint. Resisting impulses. Thinking.

Temperance

This refers to all pleasures. It does NOT mean abstaining from pleasures. It means going the right length, and no further. It means moderation, instead of excess. It means we control ourselves. Addiction is the opposite of temperance.

Justice

This virtue means we are fair. It includes honesty, give and take, keeping promises, and truthful living. This involves us regarding others as equally deserving of honorable treatment. Living justly means we weigh everyone's rights before we make our decisions.

Fortitude

This is courage. personal strength. Facing difficult choices and not backing down. Guts. You cannot practice any of the other virtues without fortitude. It takes a certain type of courage to consider how your actions will affect others, to restrain yourself, and to be fair and honest. Radical honesty requires fortitude.

The thing is this .... these values, these virtues, HELP us build a foundation for living a good and rewarding life.

These values do not restrict our bliss. These virtues are the steps toward bliss.

Virtues have gotten a bad rap by the media.

Pep <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

Is this some sort of hint that the waywards aren't practicing any of the virtues? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Seriously though, I think the world would be a much better place if people were taught values such as these.

I think the problem with the secularization of modern culture is that there has been no replacement for religion in the teaching of universal principles of conduct such as these. Look at any show on TV, and you won't see these virtues.

I actually did not intend this to "the waywards" when I wrote it this morning. I wrote it with my son in mind. He is a sort of "wayward" himself. But, then again, he is just 17, and not a fully realized person as yet.

I have been struggling to express to him how a virtueous person might be described. The young people have such crap thrown at their demographic via the media. Especially males. How are they supposed to grow up to be faithful husbands and loyal fathers ... when there is glorification of men of such poor caliber?

What I am searching for, is a way to explore the idea that being virtuous actually leads to a more fulfilling life.

Our society as a whole certainly suffers from a lack of virtues. Myself, as a member of this culture, I suffer as well. I struggle to find the best of myself.

I sometimes post things here, as a place to try out certain ideas I am toying with. This is one of those times.

Pep

What I am searching for, is a way to explore the idea that being virtuous actually leads to a more fulfilling life.

My vote is "true"

I have a 17 year old son too, and we sometimes go the rounds with him. One day I asked him who he admired and would like to be like. He named some names and left out a few that own lots of "stuff" but don't lead vitruous lives. When asked why he didn't include them he said " who would want to live like that, how could you ever be really happy?" Perhaps they get more than we think.

Life is often a struggle, but with no absolutes to live by, how do we know if we are lost or not?

SS