Too much magnificence is VULGARITY, and too little is PETTINESS. Another list of the Seven Virtues consists of a combination of the four Cardinal Virtues and. These are a mixture of the Cardinal Virtues and the Theological virtues, collected together by a 4th/5th Century poet called Prudentius as the Seven Capital Virtues. 410) entailing the battle of good virtues and evil vices. I left out an important aspect of this list: Aristotle also gave specific labels to each virtue when it was either excessive or deficient.įor example, too much courage is RASHNESS, and too little is COWARDICE. While there are seven capital vices to be avoided, they have a corresponding virtue which should be promoted. But that’s Aristotle’s point: it’s a process, it’s about balance, and it’s not easy. All of us struggle with all of the virtues, at least some of the time. Of the twelve above, I find myself struggling the most with a deficiency of #7, patience. And so on.ġ2) Justice – sense of right / wrong, indignation Capital Vices and Virtues The seven capital vices or seven deadly sins suggest a classification of vices and were enumerated by Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. Somewhere this week I saw something about a list of virtues, Googled that, and found that The. Vices can therefore be identified as the opposites of virtues, but with the caveat that each virtue could have many different opposites, all distinct from each other. 'Vices and Virtues: A Conversation with Francis' will feature the pope in dialogue with Fr. A few times I have used the Boy Scout Law, ('A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.') as a good list of desirable traits for one to develop. Too little modesty and you become irritating and boastful. Only two vices wrath and envy remain the same in the older list and the newer list. Too much modesty and you may be seen as shy and withdrawn. Too little courage and you avoid healthy risks and are seen as a coward.
You must find the mean, the right balance.įor example, too much courage is foolhardy and could get you killed. Moderation in all things, including moderation: Aristotle was clear that too much (excess) of any virtue is just as bad as lack (deficiency). Infidelity: Lack of Belief in the Deposit of Faith 2. It’s like an ancient Greek personality test. Theological Virtues FAITH (THE VIRTUE BY WHICH ONE GIVES ASSENT TO THE DEPOSIT OF FAITH) VICES AGAINST FAITH 1. Aristotle’s 12 virtues are a great checklist to understand the different morals, values, and virtues that you could cultivate or restrain in your life.