The Christian Idea of Man [Hardcover]

InThe Christian Idea of ManJosef Pieper brings off an extraordinary feat. He acknowledges that whoever introduces the theme of “virtue” and “the virtues” can expect to be met with a smile – of various shades of condescension. He then proceeds to single out “prudence” as the fundamental virtue on which the other cardinal virtues are based. In defining it, he does away with the shallow connotations which have debased it in modern times. Similarly, he manages to divest it of all traces of “moralism,” which, to a large extent has become identified with the Christian idea of virtue and has made it fall into general disrepute.
      For Pieper,prudenceis fundamentally based on a clear perception of reality – of things as they are – and the prudent person is the one who acts in accordance with this perception. It has nothing to do with knowing how to avoid decisions which might be to one’s disadvantage. Similarly,justice, which is based on prudence, involves acting toward other persons according to one’s perception of the truth of the circumstances – again, a perception of things “as they are.” This is not a reference to any “status quo,” but to the reality as constituted by the Creator.
      In referring tocourage[fortitude], Pieper discusses the overcoming of fear. This does not implyhavingno fear but, precisely,overcomingit. With regard to the fundamental fear of death, Pieper rejects the approaches which contend that there is nothing to fear in death. On the contrary, there is everything to fear in death: it concerns the question of possible absolute annihilation!  Here Pieper introduces the consideration of the “theological” virtues of faith, hope, and love [charity]. When confronted with the question of possible annihilation, the Christian&rsql3