Saturday 12 April 2014

The Good Habits that Must be Encouraged

Assuming, as I have in the last post, that JN used traditional Earthly vices, it stands to reason that his characters also have the ideal VIRTUES of our history.
The traditional (religious) virtues, as far as I can see are – Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness and Humility

Castitas – (Chastity) – The virtue to the vice ‘Lust’.
While on the surface this would seem contradictory to the daily life of Gorean slavery, it’s original meaning differs slightly from our modern interpretation. Much like ‘lust’ in my last post.
It implied self control, from intoxicants (drink/drugs), from temptation and corruption (don’t go for what is easy, go for what is HONOURABLE – a VERY Gorean thought).

Temperantia – (Temperance) – The virtue to the vice ‘Gluttony’.
A more ‘easily’ relatable Gorean virtue, for obvious reasons! Self-control is RATHER important – especially as the slaves loved ones are the ones impacted by their behaviour.

Caritas – (Charity) – The virtue to the vice ‘Envy’.
The latin original indicated that ‘love’ was the most important charitable act, rather than the more common ‘give money, goods or support’ – it emphasised unconditional love for others.
A slave is expected to behave appropriately regardless of how someone else is. They are taught to be subservient, polite, and generally un-obtrusive in their views and opinions. Obviously, slaves are human and WILL judge. The difference between a good slave and a bad slave is the ability to learn to bite their tongue!
This is probably the hardest virtue for me personally, as I find it hard to remember it’s not MY place to judge people on their actions – I’m to be neutral, if I can’t be nice... Which isn’t always possible, easy or practical in our modern world. But I’m working on it!!!

Industria – (Diligence) – The virtue to the vice ‘Sloth’. Basically working hard, and not being lazy, while also having integrity in all you do.
Another ‘easily’ relatable virtue. Slaves aren’t allowed to be slovenly, this is a basic skill – one so many I’ve met have yet to acquire! It also, to me, speaks of not giving up – if you can’t do it the first time, don’t just give up, a slave tries to perfect herself.

Patientia – (Patience) – The virtue to the vice ‘Wrath’.
Another one I struggle with, as do many others. This virtue is about resolving issues with peace and forgiveness (even if the other person is in the wrong!) – slaves are expected to let many things go over their heads, insults being a common one in the books. It is the free persons (normally the owners) decision to get upset or feel the need to resolve any conflict.

 Humanitas – (Kindness) – The virtue to the vice ‘Greed’. This, to me, links closely to the idea of ‘charity’.
A slave is expected to be kind, unselfish in their acts and compassionate towards others. This isn’t always shown in the books (where envy, and greed often get in the way first) but even the most opposed slaves often find a common ground, and a respect for each other. In some small way!

Humilitas – (Humility) – The virtue to the vice ‘Pride’.
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” – C. S. Lewis
Give credit where credit is due, regardless of who the person is and personal opinions.
((I’d like to add, writing this short bit about Humilitas has reminded me of a recent event on a social media site. Regardless of my thoughts and opinions of the people involved, I can honestly say credit is due to those who stand up, and are honest about, their profession. To ridicule anyone for MAKING A LIVING WITHOUT the handouts of benefits or ‘mummy’ is, in my opinion, unGorean. Even ‘High Castes’ didn’t put down the lowly ‘peasant’ for plowing the fields.))

As I stated in the ‘Vices’ post – please don’t confuse the Latin words for ‘Real Gorean Words’ – to my knowledge there is no ‘Gorean’ words stated for the virtues in the books.
They are interpreted by me – and certainly helped me discover and understand more about my life path.

I wish you well,
Kamira.

Copyright

All content on this website is copyright protected.



Permission to use any of the content must be sought from either the author, or Asmodeus. Details on how to contact can be found on the 'Blog and Me' page.



©The House of Asmodeus