Think about the four virtues.
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Justice
- Temperance
You can arrange them on a compass-like diagram, with Temperance to the north, Justice to the east, Courage to the South, Wisdom to the west.
Temperance is about regulating your pleasure. There is a strong drive to maximise it, but what does this gain you? What happens when the moment is over?
- In a meeting today, I did not speak unless I had something to say.
Justice is about other people. How do you treat other people? Can you remain just, even when they annoy you?
- You showed justice when smiling in encouragement at that colleague you personally dislike but should support. Remember, every woman is your sister; every man is your brother.
Courage is about overcoming pain. There is discomfort in chasing that Personal Best during a run, but you do it because you have set that target. Courage helps you overcome discomfort during a boring conversation; in this situation, you should persevere.
- You showed courage shaking the hand of M____. This was a minor form of courage, to be sure, because it was only an initial embarrassment that you overcame. You are so sensitive to embarrassment.
Wisdom is about yourself. What do you know of your foibles, or those situations where you excel? Put yourself in that place. Wisdom permeates everything. Tend to it.
- You exercised wisdom by sitting at your desk and marking a student’s work.
To Myself 