Part 1 of a Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 6 “The Christian Life of Virtue” The preceding four chapters have covered each of the four cardinal virtues whose examination and analysis dates back to the time of Aristotle, also called the natural moral virtues: prudence, justice, courage, and temperance. In…
Tag: Ethics
Virtues Abounding
Mastering Moderation: Cultivating the Virtue of Temperance
A Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 5 “Temperance” We reach now the fourth and last cardinal virtue, temperance. I had an idea that temperance was about being balanced, not being extreme. That it was about not doing too little or too much. And that is kind of what it is,…
Virtues Abounding
Develop the Virtue of Courage to Positively Impact Your Life
A Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 4 “Fortitude (or Courage)” The virtue of courage may be one we think we know the meaning of, as we think of firefighters fighting flames or soldiers running into battle. And those are types of courage, but as a virtue there is a lot…
Virtues Abounding
Beyond Fairness: Why Cultivating the Virtue of Justice Is Essential for a Harmonious Society
A Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 3 “Justice” We move on to the second of the four cardinal virtues, justice. I found it challenging to understand the virtue of justice, in part because I already think I know the definition of justice but also because of the individualistic culture I…
Virtues Abounding
Why You Should Strive to be Prudent
A Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 2 “Prudence” Prudence is not a word we hear much today so saying it is a virtue likely does not communicate much. O’Keefe gives us St. Thomas of Aquinas’s definition as the “abiding inclination to decide well.” (p. 11) So that’s all clear now!…
Virtues Abounding
A Return to Striving for a Virtuous Life Solves Many of Society’s Ills
A Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 1 “The Virtuous Life” Last chapter introduced the idea of the seven virtues. The four cardinal virtues are courage, prudence, justice, and temperance, and the three theological virtues are faith, hope, and love. Now we turn to the question, what is a virtuous life?…
Virtues Abounding
What are the Virtues?
A Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtues Abounding “Introduction” I am reading Virtues Abounding to understand the importance of each of us developing virtues for our economy, and overall society, to function at its best. That is, many of the critiques of capitalism are really stemming from character flaws in the people practicing capitalism…
1913
A Lazy People Cannot Remain Free
A Discussion of Oliver DeMille’s 1913 Chapter 12 “Free Citizens Read the Fine Print” If you are familiar with the U.S. government system at all, you know a key idea of the Founders is to use checks and balances to divide power. The Senate contends with the House. Both together…
1913
We Are Blind to the True Value of Our Freedom
A Discussion of Oliver DeMille’s 1913 Chapter 11 “Essential Freedom” Oliver DeMille has detailed in his book how we took a turn away from freedom in 1913, and for that reason he focuses on the importance of freedom in this chapter. How can we regain our freedom if we do…
1913
We Need Good Readers and Thinkers
A Discussion of Oliver DeMille’s 1913 Chapter 9 “Solution #2: Voracious Readers and Independent Thinkers” DeMille called for “a small but committed few” to adopt his solutions to undo the damage to freedom by the 1913 turning points. (p. 89) While he called for an increase in entrepreneurship in the…