Virtue:
Living Life to the Full
How Do We Live a Flourishing Life?
There are many things that are not conducive to human flourishing. These are called vices—such as greed, envy, lust, and gluttony. While these might seem beneficial in the short term, over time they lead to destruction, cold-heartedness, and isolation from what is truly good.
​
Virtues, on the other hand, are qualities of character that lead to a flourishing life. The lives of the saints offer powerful examples of people who, despite facing great suffering, lived deeply meaningful and joyful lives. Think of St Teresa of Calcutta, who endured physical and emotional pain but loved with extraordinary compassion, especially towards the poor, the outcast, and the dying. Or St Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life in place of another in a Nazi concentration camp, an act of heroic love and self-sacrifice.
​
The saints lived glorious lives—not necessarily easy ones—but lives filled with purpose, courage, and love. Their journeys were rich in virtue, adventure, and grace. By cultivating virtues in our own lives, we too can live courageous, joyful, and loving lives.
Below is an overview of the theological, cardinal, and holy virtues, which are essential to living a truly flourishing life:
1. The Theological Virtues
These virtues are gifts from God and orient us directly towards Him. They are called theological because they have God as their source, their motivation, and their ultimate goal.
-
Faith – The belief in God and in all that He has revealed. Faith helps us trust in God’s presence and plan, even when life is difficult or unclear.
-
Hope – Confidence in God’s promises, especially the promise of eternal life. Hope sustains us through suffering and gives us reason to persevere.
-
Charity (Love) – Loving God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves. Charity is the highest of the virtues and the one that brings all others to fulfilment.
“So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
​
2. The Cardinal Virtues
The word cardinal comes from the Latin cardo, meaning “hinge.” These four virtues are called cardinal because all other human virtues hinge upon them.
-
Prudence – The ability to choose the right course of action in any situation. Prudence helps us act with wisdom and foresight.
-
Justice – Giving each person what is due to them. Justice ensures fairness and respect in our dealings with others.
-
Fortitude (Courage) – Strength to overcome fear and remain steady in the face of challenges. Fortitude gives us the ability to suffer well for the sake of what is right.
-
Temperance – Moderation and self-control. Temperance allows us to enjoy pleasures in a balanced and disciplined way.
These virtues guide our moral decisions and help us live well with others and ourselves.
​
3. The Holy Virtues (Catholic Moral Virtues)
In addition to the theological and cardinal virtues, Christian tradition also highlights other important virtues that grow out of a life of holiness. These are often seen in the lives of saints and are developed through grace, discipline, and love.
-
Humility – Acknowledging our dependence on God and valuing others rightly. Humility guards against pride and opens our hearts to grace.
-
Patience – Bearing suffering, waiting, or difficulties with peace and perseverance.
-
Gratitude – Recognising life as a gift and responding with thankfulness.
-
Forgiveness – Choosing to let go of resentment and offering mercy to others.
-
Chastity – A pure and respectful expression of love, whether in singleness or marriage.
-
Obedience – Willingly following God's will and the authority He places in our lives.
These virtues help us grow in holiness and reflect Christ more fully in the world.
​
A Life of Virtue Is a Life Well-Lived
To flourish is not simply to be happy or successful by the world’s standards, it is to live a life of deep meaning, love, and purpose. Virtues make this possible. They are not quick fixes, but lifelong habits, shaped by grace and strengthened by daily practice.
By rooting out vice and cultivating virtue, we walk the path of the saints, a path that may be challenging, but is full of joy, courage, and deep fulfilment. With God’s help, we too can live truly flourishing lives.