Category Archives: virtue

Liberty, Fraternity, Equality

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“The process of execution was also a sad and heartrending spectacle.  In the middle of Place de la Revolution was erected a guillotine, in front of a colossal statue of Liberty, represented seated on a rock, a cap on her … Continue reading →

Posted in French Revolution, government, Politics, virtue | Leave a comment

The Spiritual Castle

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Matthew Phillips

“The blessed Virgin Mary herself, whose glorious assumption we are celebrating today, was beyond doubt blest because she welcomed the Son of God in body but she was more blest because she had welcomed him in spirit…let us make ready … Continue reading →

Posted in Aelred of Rievaulx, Mary, virtue | Leave a comment

The Languor of Love

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Matthew Phillips

“Love is an affliction, and the suffering of a soul that is sick.  The authority of the poet [Ovid]–even though it seems unworthy and unsuitable–affirms the truth of this, when he says, ‘Woe is me, for no herb can cure … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, preaching, theology, vice, virtue | Leave a comment

The Affection of Heloise

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Matthew Phillips

“In my case, the pleasures of lovers which we shared have been too sweet–they cannot displease me, and can scarcely shift from my memory.  Wherever I turn they are always there before my eyes, bringing with them awakened longings and … Continue reading →

Posted in Heloise, Love, Peter Abelard, vice, virtue | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Art of Love

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“The art of arts is the art of love.  Nature, and God, the Author of nature, has reserved to himself the teaching of it.  Love itself has been planted [in us] by the Creator of nature; so if its natural … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, medieval, theology, virtue | Leave a comment

Aristotle on Friendship

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“For friendship is a virtue, or involves virtue; and also it is one of the most indispensable requirements of life.  For no one would choose to live without friends, but possessing all other good things.  In fact rich men, rulers … Continue reading →

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Reason and Wisdom

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“The creature of foresight, wisdom, variety, keenness, memory, endowed with reason and judgement, which we call man, was created by the supreme god to enjoy a remarkable status.  Of all the types and species of living creatures he is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, Intellect, memory, reason, virtue, wisdom | Leave a comment

The Exercise of the Mind

Posted on January 1, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“I think to myself how many men exercise their bodies, and how few their intellects; what a great gathering there is to see an unreliable show put on in play, and what a great isolation around the noble arts; how … Continue reading →

Posted in liberal arts, Seneca, virtue, will | Leave a comment

Augustine on Just War

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Matthew Phillips

“What is the evil of war? Is it the death of some who will soon die in any case, that others may live in peaceful subjection? This is merely cowardly dislike, not any religious feeling.  The real evils in war … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, justice, virtue, war | 4 Comments

Principles over Passions

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Matthew Phillips

“To criticize a particular subject…a man must have been trained in that subject: to be a good critic generally, he must have had an all-round education.  Hence the young are not fit to be students of Political Science.  For they … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristotle, Politics, virtue | Leave a comment