< Virtues

The Cardinal Virtues

The four classic Western Cardinal virtues are:

  • Temperance: σωφροσύνη (sōphrosynē) — Moderating desire
  • Prudence: φρόνησις (phronēsis) — Knowing what to do
  • Courage: ανδρεία (andreia) — Overcoming fear
  • Justice: δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) — Harmony, balance, equity

This enumeration is traced to Greek philosophy and was listed at least by Plato, if not also by Socrates, from whom no attributable written works exist. Plato also mentions "Holiness".

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