cardinal virtues

The human virtues are stable dispositions of the intellect and the will that govern our acts, order our passions, and guide our conduct in accordance with reason and faith. They can be grouped around the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

• Prudence disposes the practical reason to discern in every circumstance, our true good and to choose the right means for achieving it.

• Justice consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due.

• Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good.

• Temperance moderates the attraction of the pleasures of the senses and provides balance in the use of created goods.