Choose a topic from Part 2B:

50. The Subjective Parts of Prudence

1. Reigning prudence belongs to those thatlegislate and exercise government. Aristotle (Polit. iii)says: "Prudence is a virtue proper to the person whorules."

2. Political prudence, in its widest meaning,includes reigning prudence. But, in a stricter sense, it is thatspecies of prudence which guides citizens in their loyal obedienceto the requirements of government.

3. Domestic prudence is the virtue which governsthe reasonableactivities of life in a household. It standsmidway between the prudence of the individual and the politicalprudence which guides the rule of city, state, or kingdom.

4. Scripture says (Prov. 24:6): "War is managed by dueordering, and there shall be safety where there are manycounsels." Hence, there is a kind of prudence to be calledmilitary prudence.

"Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars."
Thomas á Kempis

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"He who wishes to be perfectly obeyed, should give but few orders."
St Philip Neri

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"Happy is the youth, because he has time before him to do good. "
St Philip Neri

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