The Right Course of Action 

     Do our leaders at all levels in all organizations live a virtuous life? Do they take the right course? And how do we know the right course? 

     Our nation's founders knew.

     The word "virtue" was first used around the 12th century. Virtue came from an Anglo-French word meaning "moral life and conduct." 

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     Two centuries later the term "Cardinal Virtues" classified four virtues - prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. The Latin word for "cardinal" means pivotal, or that on which something turns or depends. We assume this is where Catholic cardinals get their label. 

     To be considered virtuous, one must have virtue and be morally excellent and righteous. These four words relate to virtue:

Prudence: The ability to discern good from evil. Prudent leaders are guided by principles that help them make practical, wise decisions for the common good. Prudence appeared in our Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.  

Justice: To maintain what is just, exactly, precisely right. 

Fortitude: Strength of mind to encounter danger, to bear adversity with courage. 

Temperance: Moderation in action, thought and feeling.  

     If our founders from 250 years ago could return and evaluate us in every discipline, how would they rate us? Are we citizens virtuous?

      Jimmy