Virtue and Vice
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5.The cardinal and classical virtues: courage, temperance, justice, prudence, magnanimity
5a.Fortitude, patience and constancy in adversity
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 12–13Loveless men cannot bear adversity or fortune; the gentleman keeps love even in haste and overthrow.read · scan
- p. 14–16Passion is incompatible with firmness of character.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 10–11Wisdom is seen as virtue unaffected by the changes and chances of mortal life.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 166–167He should show he can bear bad fortune with the dignity he bore good, lest fortitude be the one virtue he lacks.read · scan
Paul, The Second Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 521–522Ministers commend themselves by patience, purity, knowledge, kindness and unfeigned love amid hardship.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 80–81Aristides' constancy: unelated by honor, tranquil in adversity, refusing to join friends in wrongdoing.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 223Show qualities within thy power (sincerity, endurance, contentment, benevolence) rather than plead natural incapacity.read · scan
- p. 282A man becomes worthy of praise by rightly using accidents.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 253The Cross holds the height of virtue, strength of mind and perfection of holiness.read · scan
- p. 279–280Patience is held up as a virtue learned from Christ's example.read · scan
- p. 280–281True patience accepts adversity from every person alike, without weighing who inflicts it; such virtue earns the crown.read · scan
- p. 288–290Perfection is not fervour or sweetness of spirit but steadfast, humble long-suffering.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 10–11Mirror motto: whithersoever Fortune's wheel turns, Virtue stands firm on her feet.read · scan
- p. 12Latin motto: I am a wheel; wherever I turn, Virtue stands.read · scan
- p. 154–155Each companion judges the other's conduct, cowardice versus readiness to defend oneself against affronts.read · scan
Sir Thomas Wyatt, A Supplication; The Lover's AppealVol. 40
- p. 192–193He appeals to his steadfast faith and constancy against her cruelty.read · scan
Francis Bacon, Essays, Civil and MoralVol. 3
- p. 15–17Temperance is the virtue of prosperity and fortitude of adversity; prosperity best reveals vice, adversity best reveals virtue.read · scan
Ben Jonson, On BaconVol. 27
- p. 57No accident can harm virtue but rather helps make it manifest; Bacon's greatness in adversity.read · scan
George Herbert, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 341–343Virtuous soul like seasoned timber never gives way.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 384Christ says he who best suffers and obeys can best reignread · scan
Blaise Pascal, Minor WorksVol. 48
- p. 365The epitaph praises probity, temperance in prosperity, patience in adversity, and piety as the foundation of all his other virtues.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 204–205Patience without murmuring is taught by the sheep; flowers stand content in their places without quarrelling.read · scan
- p. 282–283Slovenly, lax pilgrims lacking courage disgrace their Lord; Penitent says the way must be cleared of such blemishes.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 96–97Fortitude guards and supports the other virtues and completes a worthy man's character.read · scan
- p. 99–100Not thinking bodily pain the greatest evil is a considerable advance toward virtue.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 419Fortitude, charity and self-sacrifice are praised as virtues, made credible because Federigo practised them.read · scan
- p. 511–512The friars' self-sacrifice deserves respect; to die in a good cause is wise and beautiful at any time.read · scan
- p. 569–570Examples of constancy and piety appear, even among children caring for younger siblings.read · scan
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Household TalesVol. 17
- p. 99–100Cinderella's obedience and patience contrast with the stepmother's cruelty and deceit.read · scan
Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of PoetryVol. 27
- p. 348–349Milton's Devil, persevering in adversity, is morally superior to a God who inflicts revenge from cold security.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Inaugural Address at EdinburghVol. 25
- p. 365Romans called valour 'virtue' (virtus), crown of ennobling qualities with truthfulness and integrity.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 472Robust men and virtuous women of wonderful fibre and endurance.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1318–1320Patience, sorrow and silence are called strong; constancy is praised.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 34–35The English lad's unfailing good humor and the sailors' sharing of tea show cheerful fortitude and generosity.read · scan
5b.Temperance, sobriety and self-command
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 36–37Courtesy is the practical form of self-mastery.read · scan
- p. 40Fight your own faults, not others'; anger causes forgetting self and kin.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 139–141Conquering one's own desires is rarer than conquering an enemy; such virtue makes success in war more glorious.read · scan
- p. 163–164Caesar is praised for sobriety, fairness and wisdom in receiving his opponents.read · scan
Plutarch, Comparison of Alcibiades with CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 188–189Coriolanus's temperance, continence and probity are praised as among the best of the Greeks, far above Alcibiades' unscrupulousness.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 139Socrates's self-command in discourse is praised.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 196Sobriety, firmness, no mean thoughts or love of novelty.read · scan
- p. 196Nothing harsh or violent; orderly, consistent, examining things without confusion.read · scan
- p. 260–261Never having intentionally pained another, one should not pain oneself; delight in keeping the ruling faculty sound.read · scan
Sir Henry Wotton, Elizabeth of Bohemia; Character of a Happy LifeVol. 40
- p. 287–289Honest thought, simple truth, conscience and mastery of passions mark the good man.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at Horton, 1632-1638Vol. 4
- p. 69–70The three children's youth, faith, patience and truth are tried and crowned with praise for triumphing over sensual folly and intemperance.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 371Scipio and Alexander scorned beauty; Solomon's ease left him exposed to womenread · scan
- p. 371Self-rule over passions precedes rule of othersread · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Man the ReformerVol. 5
- p. 57Helper should be continent, persisting and steady, not given to irregular impulses of virtue.read · scan
5c.Justice, integrity and incorruptibility
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 140Odysseus is called righteous for refusing meat and drink before his companions are freed.read · scan
- p. 248Odysseus warns that none be lawless but keep quietly the gods' gifts, condemning the wooers' infatuate deeds.read · scan
The Book of JobVol. 44
- p. 112Job vows never to abandon his integrity or righteousness, speaking no deceit until death.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 170–171Claims integrity and shuns falsehood, evildoers and bribe-takers.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 139Honours should be judged by a commander's character and principles; his equity and purity of conduct were his support.read · scan
- p. 149He upholds personal integrity and warns Caelius to be careful of his own conduct after prosecuting others.read · scan
- p. 155Philosophers hold the wise man pledges himself only against doing wrong; Cicero consoles himself with uprightness and moderation.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 52His influence rested on reputation, character and manifest freedom from corruption and love of money.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 81Honest treasurer contrasted with corrupt officials; he is ashamed of honor won by tolerating thieves.read · scan
- p. 82Aristides left guarding the plunder and refuses to touch gold, contrasted with Callias' greed and murder.read · scan
- p. 102–103Aristides' moderation and incorruptibility are praised over the vain display of Themistocles, Cimon and Pericles.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 247His integrity as governor: incorruptible, restrained in anger, never abusive to subordinates.read · scan
Plutarch, Comparison of Demosthenes and CiceroVol. 12
- p. 261–262Cicero's incorruptibility as provincial governor, amid widespread bribery, shows his contempt of riches and humanity.read · scan
Pliny the Younger, Letters of PlinyVol. 9
- p. 367Praises Geminus's integrity, probity and vigilance as grounds for trust and promotion.read · scan
- p. 369–370Pliny testifies to Maximus's probity, attention and diligence.read · scan
- p. 370–371Commends Gabius Bassus for integrity, honour, diligence, justice and humanity, and the young Lupus for merit and application.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 258–259Acting justly, soberly and considerately cannot be hindered.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 91–92Alypius's incorruptibility, scorning bribes and threats, exemplifies integrity; faithful in little, faithful in much.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 321Emir honors the charge given in confidence and refuses treachery; covetousness dishonours the person in whom it exists.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 103His honest office left him poor, never a wasteful spender.read · scan
- p. 103–114More kept himself so clear of corruption and bribe-taking that no accusation could blemish him, and he behaved discreetly with the nun.read · scan
- p. 114More's integrity shown by returning the cup and money: courtesy joined to refusal of bribes.read · scan
- p. 114His innocence and clearness from corruption are offered as examples for readers to judge.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 20–21Father's maxim 'Steal not, and live honestly' and the master's judgement of the father's honesty and worth.read · scan
Sir Edward Dyer, My Mind to Me a Kingdom IsVol. 40
- p. 207–209Clear conscience is chief defence; no bribery or deceit.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 147–148The officer refuses a bribe as being twice paid, showing integrity in public service.read · scan
- p. 148–149Officer again refuses payment, 'twice paid', showing incorruptibility.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 294–295Contrast of apostate and true man of steadfast integrity.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 46–53Antony says faith, honour and virtue forbid him to leave her; Ventidius laments women's power to harm man.read · scan
Sir Richard Steele, The Spectator ClubVol. 27
- p. 87His integrity of life and probity of mind win him followers rather than eloquence or loudness.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 47–48Denham repays his old creditors in full with interest at a feast, showing honesty and generosity.read · scan
Edmund Burke, A Letter to a Noble LordVol. 24
- p. 417Keppel's goodness, reason, taste, duty and principles would repel him from the vice, impiety and crime of revolutionary France.read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, Minna von Barnhelm, or The Soldier's FortuneVol. 26
- p. 328–329Just claims honesty as his merit; Franziska says one is little if only honest.read · scan
- p. 330–331Franziska admits she undervalued honesty after Just's satiric account of the dishonest servants.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 146Woman must be incorruptibly good and wise for self-renunciation and service, not self-development.read · scan
5d.Wisdom and prudence as virtue
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 113Phaedo calls Socrates the wisest, justest and best man he has known.read · scan
Ecclesiastes; or, The PreacherVol. 44
- p. 346–347Contrasts the wise man and the fool, whose speech ends in mischievous madness.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 142Cardinal Morton is praised for prudence, virtue, eloquence, wit and memory, perfected by learning and use.read · scan
René Descartes, Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason and Seeking the Truth in the SciencesVol. 34
- p. 24Right judgment leads to acquiring all the virtues and what is truly valuable within reach.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 359The Son is chosen for consummate virtue and merit to vanquish hellish wiles by wisdom, not arms.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 19–20An upright man accommodating all needs is preferred over the mathematician or soldier.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 65–66Alexas says Ventidius's plain dull virtue has outgone his wit.read · scan
Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in FranceVol. 24
- p. 200Right must be consistent with virtue, chiefly prudence; men have no right to what is unreasonable or not beneficial.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 204–205Wishes the youth prudence, fortitude and truthread · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 651–652Reason firm, temperate will, endurance, foresight, strength and skill in the ideal woman.read · scan
Walt Whitman, Preface to Leaves of GrassVol. 39
- p. 404–406The great poet's prudence recognizes no division of righteous from unrighteous; good or evil done returns to the doer, and courage before death is valued.read · scan
James Russell Lowell, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1383Lincoln portrayed as patient, sagacious, sincere, steadfast, dreading praise rather than blame.read · scan
5e.Magnanimity and greatness of soul
Plato, The Apology of SocratesVol. 2
- p. 27–28The noblest way is not to crush others but to improve oneself.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 159Marcius lacks the solidity and equanimity of a statesman; his self-will and anger are mistaken for magnanimity.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 119Agrippinus refuses even to consider appearing at Nero's shows; one who reckons external things forgets what manner of man he is.read · scan
- p. 119Refusing to follow the multitude, Epictetus wishes to be the purple thread that gives the garment beauty.read · scan
Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of Marcus AureliusVol. 2
- p. 206The best man is unconquered by passion, dyed with justice, unharmed by pain or insult.read · scan
- p. 211The good man is content, truthful and just, unangered by disbelief, keeping the divinity in him tranquil.read · scan
- p. 225Prefers magnanimity, simplicity and piety to pleasure.read · scan
- p. 227The more a man does without externals and bears their loss patiently, the better man he is.read · scan
- p. 255Check arrogance, be superior to pleasure, pain and love of fame, and care for the ungrateful.read · scan
- p. 262The mind stays pure, wise, sober and just whatever men do to the body, like a spring that cleanses itself.read · scan
- p. 276–277Hold to the names good, modest, true, rational, equanimous, magnanimous; magnanimity rises above pleasure, pain, fame and death.read · scan
- p. 285Apart from virtue, all things should be valued little by analysing them into parts, including one's whole life.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 225–227Fabricius chose virtue with poverty over wealth with vice.read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40
- p. 11The Knight is presented as embodying chivalric virtues: truth, honour, generosity and courtesy.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 361She appeals to Fernando's generosity and magnanimity to master anger.read · scan
Edward Haies, Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Voyage to NewfoundlandVol. 33
- p. 264–265A virtuous, heroical mind and compassion are contrasted with ambition and avarice as motives.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 149Hamlet praises Horatio as just, one who takes Fortune's blows and rewards equally and is not passion's slave.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 759–762The duchess's noble virtue and divine continence are praised; her worth outshines past and future time.read · scan
Thomas Hobbes, Of Man, Being the First Part of LeviathanVol. 34
- p. 352Prudence joined with dishonest means is craft, a sign of pusillanimity; magnanimity is contempt of unjust helps.read · scan
- p. 372–373Pusillanimity brings irresolution and lost opportunities; frugality, a virtue in the poor, hampers great enterprises.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 371Virtue, valour and wisdom achieved great deeds in poverty, as with Fabricius and Curius; riches slacken virtueread · scan
- p. 384Dares to be singularly good against popular praiseread · scan
Alexander Pope, Solitude; On a Certain Lady at Court; Essay on ManVol. 40
- p. 430Conquerors and politic men are not truly great; only noble ends by noble means, like Aurelius or Socrates, make greatness.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 655–656Warrior makes moral being his prime care, labouring good on good, honest in rising to command.read · scan
- p. 656–658Fidelity, tenderness and daily self-surpassing mark the ideal man whether prosperous or adverse.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, GiftsVol. 5
- p. 221–222Magnanimous persons cannot be given to; rectitude scatters favors unknowingly and receives thanks with wonder.read · scan
William Makepeace Thackeray, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1060Whether one wins or fails, be a gentleman, bearing fortune with an honest heart.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 127Magnanimity, greatness of heart and mind, is what makes one great.read · scan
Matthew Arnold, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1138–1139Marcus Aurelius shows life may be led well even in a palace; nobility of life lies within.read · scan
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