The Roman Virtues

Personal Virtues These are the qualities of life to which every Citizen (and, ideally, everyone else) should aspire. They are the heart of the Via Romana—the Roman Way—and are thought to be those qualities which gave the Roman Republic the moral strength to conquer and civilize the world. Today, they are the rods against which we can measure our own behavior and character, and we can strive to better understand and practice them in our everyday lives.

1. Auctoritas: “Spiritual Authority” The sense of one’s social standing, built up through experience, Pietas, and Industria.

2. Comitas: “Humor” Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and friendliness

3. Clementia: “Mercy” Mildness and gentleness

4. Dignitas: “Dignity” A sense of self-worth, personal pride

5. Firmitas: “Tenacity” Strength of mind, the ability to stick to one’s purpose

6. Frugalitas: “Frugalness” Economy and simplicity of style, without being miserly

7. Gravitas: “Gravity” A sense of the importance of the matter at hand, responsibility and earnestness

8. Honestas: “Respectability” The image that one presents as a respectable member of society

9. Humanitas: “Humanity” Refinement, civilization, learning, and being cultured

10. Industria: “Industriousness” Hard work

11. Pietas: “Dutifulness” More than religious piety; a respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others

12. Prudentia: “Prudence” Foresight, wisdom, and personal discretion

13. Salubritas: “Wholesomeness” Health and cleanliness

14. Severitas: “Sternness” Gravity, self-control

15. Veritas: “Truthfulness” Honesty in dealing with others Virtues Assignment: Create your own list of 10 virtues that you feel are the qualities to which every American should aspire. Follow the same format as the list above.

POLITICS, PATRIOTISM, AND PROTEST OPINIONNAIREPOLITICS, PATRIOTISM, AND PROTEST OPINIONNAIRE

In the space provided mark whether you agree or disagree with each statement.

Agree or Disagree

______1. It is never right to kill another person.

______2. Political leaders usually act in the best interest of their countries.

______3. If a political leader has done something wrong, it is all right to get rid of him or her by whatever means necessary.

______4. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

______5. In certain situations it may be justified for a political leader to bend or break the law for the good of the country.

______6. People should never compromise their ideals or beliefs.

______7. "My country right or wrong" is not just a slogan; it is every citizen's patriotic duty.

______8. No cause, political or otherwise, is worth dying for.

______9. "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant taste of death but once."

______10. "The evil that men do lives after them; the good is [often buried] with their bones."