Copyright: seven virtues
The seven virtues are used in Christian ethics to illustrate how humanity can resist temptation and perform its duties through moral strength of will.
Philosophers of antiquity recognized four cardinal virtues – prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance – to which Christians added in three theological ones – faith, hope, and charity. The modern seven were standardized by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius in his early 5th century epic poem "Psychomachia" ("Battle/Contest of the Soul"). In the order used by the writer of The Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri, they are:
- chastity – discretion of conduct
- temperance – restraint, self-control, abstinence, moderation, and deferred gratification
- charity – generosity and self-sacrifice
- diligence – zealous and careful action and work, decisive work ethic, and perseverance
- patience – forbearance, forgiveness, mercy, and resolving conflict peacefully
- kindness – compassion and empathy
- humility – courage, modesty, and reverence
The virtues are the flip sides to the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride.