Part 2 of a Discussion of Mark O’Keefe’s Virtue Abounding Chapter 6 “The Christian Life of Virtue” In the last blog, we discussed the theological, or infused, virtues to complete St. Thomas Aquinas’s vision of developing the seven virtues: prudence, temperance, courage, justice, faith, hope, and love. I think a society where each…
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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?…