adjective. conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright: Lead a virtuous life.

adj. 1. Having or showing virtue, especially moral excellence: led a virtuous life.

virtuousness. The state of being virtuous.

adjective. Having moral virtue; virtuous.

The “cardinal” virtues are not the same as the three theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity (Love), named in 1 Corinthians 13. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

As you might imagine, there is a bit of overlap here: Auctoritas (knowing one’s place), Comitas (humor), Clementia (mercy), Dignitas (dignity), Firmitas (tenacity), Frugalitas (frugalness), Gravitas (gravity), Honestas (respectability), Humanitas (humanity, kindness), Industria (industriousness), Pietas (dutifulness).

Courage

Truth

The seven heavenly virtues are faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, temperance and prudence.

The Stoics elaborated a detailed taxonomy of virtue, dividing virtue into four main types: wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation.

His list of 13: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity and Humility. Thirteen wasn’t a nod to the original colonies, nor was it random.

A whole cluster of important human virtues—empathy, compassion, kindness, generosity, service, loyalty, patriotism (love of what is noble in one’s country), and forgiveness—make up the virtue of love.

These names of virtues, with their precepts, were:

• TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
• SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
• ORDER.
• RESOLUTION.
• FRUGALITY.
• INDUSTRY.
• SINCERITY.
• JUSTICE.

Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues. How does a person develop virtues? Virtues are developed through learning and through practice.

A look at community through the lens of the Vincentian virtues.

• HUMILITY. Accepting the truth of our frailties, gifts, talents, and charism knowing that all of this is intended for the benefit of others.
• SELFLESSNESS. Dying to our ego with a life of self-sacrifice.
• GENTLENESS.
• SIMPLICITY.
• ZEAL.

Each strength belongs to one of six groups or virtues, namely wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance and transcendence.

Generosity of spirit is the openness and willingness to share our own ‘gifts’ freely with others, joyously and willingly and without expectation of receiving anything in return. Paradoxically, while being generous in spirit means not expecting anything in return, it yields more to us than we could ever imagine.

Generosity is the virtue of being liberal in giving. Generosity is giving to another person something of yours as an act of freewill, without obligation. Generosity requires an awareness of your own freedom—I choose to give this gift—and the decision to make good use of that freedom—I choose to do good.

Generosity always intends to enhance the true wellbeing of those to whom it gives. Indeed, insofar as generosity is a virtue, to practice it for the good of others also necessarily means that doing so achieves one’s own true, long–term good as well.

10 inspiring acts of generosity

• ​Buying a stranger’s wedding dress.
• ​Ending a tough commute.
• ​Helping a homeless Good Samaritan.
• ​Buying someone a meal.
• ​Giving away valuable jewelry.
• ​Leaving a huge restaurant tip.
• ​Donating a massive cash prize.
• ​Buying someone else’s groceries.

Magnanimity (from Latin magnanimitās, from magna “big” + animus “soul, spirit”) is the virtue of being great of mind and heart. It encompasses, usually, a refusal to be petty, a willingness to face danger, and actions for noble purposes.

Magnanimous describes people who are generous in overlooking injury or insult and being high-minded and unselfish: “Forgiving her friend for betraying her was a very magnanimous gesture.” Magnanimous also refers to people who are “good winners.” For example: “The coach taught his players to be magnanimous in their …

Magnanimity is the crowning virtue because it enlarges the virtues Aristotle presents in the Nicomachean Ethics “and does not arise without them” (NE 1124a 1 – 2). Magnanimity would therefore exclude all but those who are already the finest and best, and who are unashamed of their worthiness.

The definition of magnanimous is big-hearted, noble and generous of spirit. Someone who can look the other way when he has been wronged and who can pardon the person who has done the wrong is an example of someone who is magnanimous.

magnanimous • /mag-NAN-uh-mus/ • adjective. 1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit 2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind.