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.
Kamira.