Ever stumbled upon a self-help book that promises to turn your life around, only to discover it’s essentially repackaged wisdom your grandma whispered during bingo night? Well, the Seven Heavenly Virtues aren't selling anything, but they're offering some old-school advice on how to be a decent human being, repackaged for the modern soul.
In the grand bazaar of historical goodies, the virtues split into two main groups: the Four Cardinal Virtues and the Three Theological Virtues. The Cardinal Virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—are your classical all-stars, hailed by Greek philosophers who probably wore togas as everyday wear. These are the virtues that tell you to think before you act (prudence), play fair (justice), keep on keeping on (fortitude), and maybe don’t drink all the wine at the party (temperance).
Then there are the Theological Virtues—faith, hope, and charity—which came into the mix courtesy of the Apostle Paul, who was big on the whole being-nice-to-each-other memo. These are about trusting the process (faith), seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (hope), and sharing your last slice of pizza (charity). Yes, even when it’s the last slice.
So, why should modern individuals bogged down with digital notifications and a constant barrage of bad news care about these ancient virtues?
1. Prudence: The Art of Not Making Dumb Decisions
In an age where every misstep is potentially viral, a little prudence goes a long way. It’s like having a mental checklist that stops you from texting your ex at 2 a.m. or investing in stocks that are hyped by celebrities on reality shows.
2. Justice: Keeping It Fair in the Age of Hashtags
Justice isn’t just for courtroom dramas. It’s about ensuring that you don’t steal someone’s parking spot and then rant about it on Twitter. It’s about fairness, even when you could probably get away with being a little sneaky.
3. Fortitude: The Grit to Stick with Your Netflix Marathon
Fortitude might sound like something you need during a zombie apocalypse, but it’s just as necessary when you’re trying to finish that project at work or even stick through a particularly tough workout. It’s the grit that keeps you going when giving up sounds blissfully easy.
4. Temperance: Because Moderation is Key, Even in Memes
Ever gone down a YouTube rabbit hole at 3 a.m.? That’s a lack of temperance. It’s the virtue that nudges you to maybe stop at just one season tonight, or perhaps two cookies instead of a dozen. Yes, it applies to cookie consumption, too.
5. Faith: More Than Just Religious
This isn’t just about spirituality; it’s about having faith in yourself, in others, and in the future. It’s what keeps you hopeful when you see the tenth depressing headline of the day.
6. Hope: Optimism Isn’t Just for Pollyannas
Hope is what makes you apply for that job, ask that person out, or buy that plant you swear you won’t kill this time. It’s about believing that things can get better, even when they seem pretty bleak.
7. Charity: Sharing More Than Just Viral Videos
In the era of social media, charity might mean sharing knowledge, time, or even your platform to support others. It’s about giving back, not just throwing money at a problem but actually caring.
So, why care about the Seven Heavenly Virtues? Because they’re not just philosophical or religious ideals; they’re practical tools for navigating a world where it’s easy to be overwhelmed, selfish, or just plain cynical. They’re reminders of the things we often forget in the hustle and bustle of daily life. And maybe, just maybe, if we pay a bit more attention to these virtues, we’ll find that being good isn’t just rewarding—it’s essential.
And hey, if nothing else, embracing these virtues might just make grandma proud at the next family gathering.
