The virtues, part 1

Ages ago, when I was a Quaker school teacher, I would occasionally slip a note to a graduating senior, wishing them luck as they entered the next stage of life. In the letter, I would enclose a list of the “Roman virtues:”

1. Auctoritas — “Spiritual Authority” The sense of one’s social standing, built up through experience, Pietas, and Industria.

2. Comitas — “Humour” Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and friendliness.

3. Clementia — “Mercy” Mildness and gentleness.

4. Dignitas — “Dignity” A sense of self-worth, personal pride.

5. Firmitas — “Tenacity” Strength of mind, the ability to stick to one’s purpose.

6. Frugalitas — “Frugalness” Economy and simplicity of style, without being miserly.

7. Gravitas — “Gravity” A sense of the importance of the matter at hand, responsibility and earnestness.

8. Honestas — “Respectability” The image that one presents as a respectable member of society.

9. Humanitas — “Humanity” Refinement, civilization, learning, and being cultured.

10. Industria — “Industriousness” Hard work.

11. Pietas — “Dutifulness” More than religious piety; a respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others.

12. Prudentia — “Prudence” Foresight, wisdom, and personal discretion.

13. Salubritas — “Wholesomeness” Health and cleanliness.

14. Severitas — “Sternness” Gravity, self-control.

15. Veritas — “Truthfulness” Honesty in dealing with others

    

I was thinking of the Roman virtues as I read that Steven Cheung, the director of White House communications, wrote an X post, referring to Jon Ossoff, the Democratic senator from Georgia and likely 2028 Presidential candidate:

"Jon Jackoff has to be the biggest cuck loser in politics."

Yes, calling someone a jack-off and a cuck is now something that the director of White House communications says.

Now take a look at the list of virtues above.

Sigh.

So for the next few posts, I’m going to list virtues from wisdom traditions around the world, as a contrast to what we have modernity. So in this post, the West. Next post, the Confucian virtues.

In addition to the Roman virtues, here are Plato’s Four Cardinal Virtues (Greek):

• Wisdom (Sophia or Phronesis): Knowing the right choice to make in any situation.

• Courage (Andreia): Facing fear, danger, or pain without giving up.

• Temperance (Sophrosyne): Practicing self-control, balance, and moderation.

• Justice (Dikaiosyne): Acting with fairness and treating others right.

I’m curious: what do you believe are the modern day American virtues? Genuinely. What defines our current society’s moral character?1

Happy to take comments below, or direct emails.