4 cardinal virtues stoicism

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Introductory philosophy courses distilling the subject's greatest wisdom. Curated reading lists on philosophy's best and most important works. The Stoics think the only thing needed for a good, happy life is excellent character, something we can all develop — regardless of our circumstances — by cultivating four core virtues. This article discusses what the four virtues are, and how we can live up to them. These four cardinal virtues were actually later incorporated into Christianity by the philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas, who added three more hope, faith, and charity to create the seven heavenly virtues, which stand in opposition to the seven deadly sins. They also feature in some form in virtually every other global religion. Putting their lasting influence to one side, the four cardinal virtues should be thought of as the Stoic roadmap to the good life.

4 cardinal virtues stoicism

Stoicism was a school of philosophy that emerged out of Ancient Greece , and it remained popular throughout the Roman Empire, until around the 3 rd century CE. While its ideas shifted and changed throughout the centuries, Stoicism centered around a series of four fundamental mind habits. The four virtues of Stoicism were: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Ancient Greek Stoics emphasized the importance of practical wisdom sometimes referred to as prudence which they called phronesis. This virtue of Stoicism was important for distinguishing the differences between the good, the bad and the indifferent. Stoics thought being able to make these distinctions was important in making sound judgements and logical decisions in a practical, considered way, rather than acting with passion or impulse. They divided wisdom into the sub-topics of common sense, calculation, quick-wittedness, discretion, and resourcefulness. Stoics divided courage into the following sub-categories: endurance, confidence, high-mindedness, cheerfulness, and industriousness. In all these categories we see the emphasis on remaining positive and productive in the face of adversity. Ancient Greek Stoics emphasized that courage is not about eliminating fear, but rather accepting it and pushing through with endurance and resilience. Easier said than done, perhaps. But this trait marks the great strength of character we see in high-profile figures, world leaders and top athletes, who have all seen their own fair share of adversity. Temperance, also known as moderation, is all about acting with restraint, self-control and discipline. Stoics subdivided temperance into the following categories: good discipline, seemliness, modesty, and self-control.

Cite this Article. The Stoics believed there were four virtues :.

The tremendous influence Stoicism has exerted on ethical thought from early Christianity through Immanuel Kant and into the twentieth century is rarely understood and even more rarely appreciated. Throughout history, Stoic ethical doctrines have both provoked harsh criticisms and inspired enthusiastic defenders. The Stoics defined the goal in life as living in agreement with nature. Humans, unlike all other animals, are constituted by nature to develop reason as adults, which transforms their understanding of themselves and their own true good. The Stoics held that virtue is the only real good and so is both necessary and, contrary to Aristotle, sufficient for happiness; it in no way depends on luck. The Stoics believed that progress toward this noble goal is both possible and vitally urgent. The first sense of the definition is living in accordance with nature as a whole, i.

Subscribe to get our free Daily Stoic email. Designed to help you cultivate strength, insight, and wisdom to live your best life. What is it that we are supposed to be aiming for in this life? To the Stoics, the answer is virtue. They said that everything we face in life was an opportunity to respond with virtue. Even bad situations. Even painful or scary ones. If we act virtuously, they believed, everything else important could follow: Happiness, success, meaning, reputation, honor, love. Ok, but what is virtue?

4 cardinal virtues stoicism

By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc. Read more. Accept X. March 17, The Stoic Optimizer. This article uses the two interchangeably and assigns no religious element to either. The Stoics shared the same opinion and placed great emphasis on acting in the interest of the greater good, but interestingly enough, they found another benefit for being virtuous, one that can be enjoyed by the honorable individual itself, rather than everyone else.

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These virtues are essential qualities that help guide us toward living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Excess and desires are synonymous with discontent and dissatisfaction. Augustine sees faith as coming under justice. The ancient Stoics used these 4 virtues as a guide for their actions, a compass to point them in the right direction during hardship, times of confusion, and everyday life. This virtue of Stoicism was important for distinguishing the differences between the good, the bad and the indifferent. Temperance is the knowledge that abundance comes from having what is essential. Similar Posts. Compared to these things, everything else is cheap, if not worthless. Frequently Read Together What is Stoicism? It could be ignoring justice and taking advantage of other people, or the community, to get ahead. Paul Pseudo-Dionysius St. Courage andreia can be defined as the ability to conquer fear within oneself when action is necessary.

Every now and then I put up an open invitation to ask questions on Stoicism , the Stoics, and philosophy via our Orion Instagram page. Some of the questions that come back are amazing, and often make me stop and brush up on different areas of philosophy before I answer.

Sadly, his works have all been lost, except in fragments quoted by later writers. The creature is thus directed toward maintaining its constitution in its proper, i. Plato narrates a discussion of the character of a good city where the following is agreed upon:. As to content, the two schemes do not match each other. Following having this knowledge, wisdom ultimately informs action. This article discusses what the four virtues are, and how we can live up to them. Justice stood above these three to properly regulate the relations among them. Wikimedia Commons. These virtues are essential qualities that help guide us toward living a fulfilling and meaningful life. The disposition to make a judgment disobedient to reason is the psychic disturbance the Stoics called passion pathos. Though all lived in the Roman Empire in the first and second centuries, the lives of the Roman Stoics were very different.