Four Virtues

The Four Cardinal Virtues (from classical philosophy, especially Plato and later Christian thought):

1. Prudence (practical wisdom) - good judgment and decision-making
2. Justice - giving each their due, fairness
3. Fortitude (courage) - bravery in facing difficulties
4. Temperance - moderation and self-control

The Four Confucian Virtues (often emphasized in Japanese culture):

1. Jin (仁) - benevolence, humaneness, compassion
2. Gi (義) - righteousness, moral duty, honor
3. Rei (礼) - propriety, proper conduct, respect/politeness
4. Chi (智) - wisdom, intelligence

Bushido (Samurai) Virtues sometimes grouped as four core principles:

1. Gi (義) - rectitude, moral courage
2. Yu (勇) - courage, bravery
3. Jin (仁) - benevolence, mercy
4. Rei (礼) - respect, courtesy, proper behavior

Stoicism

Core Principles of Stoicism:

• The Dichotomy of Control: This is a central tenet of Stoicism. It's the idea that some things are within our control, and others are not. Our thoughts, judgments, and actions are within our control. External events, such as what other people say or do, our health, and our reputation, are not. The Stoics taught that we should focus our energy on what we can control and accept what we cannot with grace and tranquility.
• Virtue as the Sole Good: For Stoics, the ultimate goal is to live a life of virtue. The four cardinal virtues of Stoicism are:
• Wisdom: The ability to differentiate between good, bad, and indifferent things.
• Courage: Facing challenges with resilience and integrity.
• Justice: Treating others with fairness and kindness.
• Temperance: Practicing self-control and moderation in all things.
• Living in Accordance with Nature: This means living in harmony with the natural order of the universe and with our own rational nature. Stoics believe that by using reason, we can understand the world and our place in it, and act in a way that is consistent with that understanding.
• The Power of Perception: Stoics emphasize that it's not events themselves that cause us distress, but our judgments about them. By learning to control our perceptions and to see events objectively, we can avoid being overwhelmed by negative emotions.