If patience is a virtue what are ALL the virtues?
According to Plato, the Cardinal Virtues are wisdom, self-control(abstinence), courage and justice.
Christianity adds the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love or charity. They rewrite the cardinal virtues as prudence(wisdom), fortitude(courage), temperance(abstinence), and keep justice. They use words that overlap in meaning.
Aristotle goes as far as listing 14 virtues. Intellectual contemplation, morality, courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, pride, honor, good temper, friendliness, truthfulness, wit, friendship, and justice.
In my opinion, forgiveness, respect and gratitude should be included in that list and some other philosophies agree. Of course, patience must be added to any list of virtues I compile, although it is not a part of any proper philosophical lists.
Why ask about virtue? Recently, it seems that something in this world is missing. When the world becomes imbalanced, we must seek balance. Where there is injustice, we should seek justice. One of the virtues on everyone's list is justice.
So what is the opposite of virtue? Vice. A word most often associated with police, tv shows and crime. But let us look at the philosophical discussions on that topic as well.
The first list that comes up is that of the seven deadly sins. For a reminder they are lust, gluttony, greed, wrath, envy, pride, and sloth. I can think of many examples of these sins in modern life and how we have grown to accept them as common place.
A website (https://www.cwu.edu/~warren/Unit1/aristotles_virtues_and_vices.htm) shows this chart with a clear path of how Aristotle believed vice and virtue were interconnected spheres.
We must learn to recognize vice and reward virtue. We must learn to nurture virtue in ourselves and others. We must repair our world before the damage is irreparable.
There are more than 20 virtuous traits listed. If we took it upon ourselves we could use these virtues to improve the world. By concentrating on one each day and trying to embody it, we could do our part in making the world a better place. It may not eliminate climate change, but good will and virtue can be spread person to person. When we respect each other, and be the most virtuous person we can be, we show others a better way.
Below is the full list without duplicates for reference. Feel free to add to it!
Intellectual contemplation, morality, courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, pride, honor, good temper, friendliness, truthfulness, wit, friendship, forgiveness, gratitude, respect, patience, faith, hope, love, charity, prudence, wisdom, and justice.
