Choose a topic from Part 2A:
1. The moral virtues are habits of the intellectiveappetency called the will. Like all habits they are distinguishedby their respective objects.
2. First, moral virtues may be classified as those thatcontrol operations (for instance, justice) and those that controlthe passions (temperance). There is an overlapping in the exerciseof these two classes of moral virtues, as, for example, when a manacts justly with pleasure or joy, or performs his duty (justice)with courage.
3. In reference to operations there are various moralvirtues, such as religion and piety; yet all these are rooted inthe virtue of justice.
4. And likewise there are various moral virtues whichcontrol passions. Fortitude touches fear and courage; meeknessmoderates anger; temperance controls desire.
5. The moral virtues which regulate passions aredistinguished from one another by the distinct objects of thepassions involved inasmuch as these are subject to reason. Thus, wedistinguish fortitude, liberality, temperance, friendship,truthfulness, etc.
"Though the path is plain and smooth for people of good will, those who walk it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty if they do not have good feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit.
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St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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"A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time.
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St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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