Virtues
Virtue index
The four cardinal virtues of the classical tradition, the three theological virtues of St. Paul, and six classical virtues prized by Greek, Roman, and Christian writers, with the works and verified quotations in the library that show them.
653 works carry 2181 virtue tags, each with a reason; 422 verified quotations are tagged. Tags mark where a work clearly shows a virtue (often through its opposite), not a complete list.
The cardinal virtues
Prudence
Practical wisdom: seeing what is truly good in a particular situation and choosing the right means to it.
312 works · 40 quotes · opposed by imprudence, cunning
Justice
The constant and firm will to give each person what is due to him: to God, to neighbors, to the community.
266 works · 38 quotes · opposed by injustice, partiality, vengeance
Fortitude (courage)
Courage: firmness of soul in facing danger and enduring hardship for the sake of what is good.
339 works · 89 quotes · opposed by cowardice, rashness
Temperance
Self-mastery: ordering the desires for pleasure, food, drink, and comfort by reason.
86 works · 22 quotes · opposed by intemperance, wrath, gluttony
The theological virtues
Faith
The theological virtue by which we believe God and all that he has revealed, trusting him who cannot deceive.
66 works · 51 quotes · opposed by unbelief, apostasy
Hope
The theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, trusting in God’s promises and the help of his grace.
82 works · 57 quotes · opposed by despair, presumption
Charity
The theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
232 works · 81 quotes · opposed by envy, hatred, indifference
Classical and Christian virtues
Piety (pietas)
Pietas: dutiful reverence toward God, parents, and country, rendering honor to those to whom we owe our being and nurture.
108 works · 33 quotes · opposed by impiety, irreverence
Honor
Living worthily of esteem: integrity, keeping one’s word, and a right regard for a good name, given and received for true excellence.
71 works · 14 quotes · opposed by dishonor, vainglory
Industry (diligence)
Diligence: steady, willing work at one’s calling, done well and offered to God.
146 works · 34 quotes · opposed by sloth, idleness
Humility
Knowing oneself truly before God: not thinking of oneself more highly than one ought, and receiving every good as a gift.
251 works · 63 quotes · opposed by pride, false humility
Magnanimity (greatness of soul)
Greatness of soul: aiming at great and worthy deeds, bearing good and ill fortune with equal mind, and being generous to rivals and the defeated.
57 works · 15 quotes · opposed by pusillanimity, ambition and presumption
Friendship (loyalty)
Loyal love between equals who wish each other good for the other’s sake, sharing a life ordered to virtue.
165 works · 25 quotes · opposed by disloyalty, flattery
See also Plutarch’s Lives for virtue and vice questions on every Life. Data: /api/virtues.json.