Chapter 9: The Virtue of Fortitude and the Unity of the Virtues
Based on this chapter, I come to the observation that the ability to face difficulties well is crucial to a good life. In the last couple of years, I have noticed that difficulties in life come in gangs to attack us, and this occurs when we are least prepared for them. Even though overcoming obstacles in life seems to be hard, standing firm to face them is significant. Life is full of personal difficulties or, in other words, challenges, and it becomes of great significance for people to summon the courage to face them. This illustrates the importance of having a proper understanding of the virtue of fortitude. In this case, fortitude is described as the virtue that allows an individual to face life challenges well (Mattison III, 2008, p.181). It is being brave in facing life difficulties and not being swayed by trials. In my opinion, a lack of fortitude has made a lot of men and women across the globe to remain dormant and quiet in the most challenging times. I do concur with the author that embracing fortitude requires a lot of sacrifices and also suffering (Mattison III, 2008, p.183). For example, the life of Martin Luther King Jr., was full of all sorts of suffering, something that even triggered his death. However, King was brave enough to stand for what was right, no matter his tribulations. Additionally, it becomes of great significance to remember that the virtue of prudence is significant for all individuals that are considered brave. This is primarily because a brave individual, to a great extent, requires prudence as the means to be in a better position to assess what goods are more or even less significant. I am impressed by the observation that fortitude is not only for what is described as extraordinary moments but also for ordinary occasions in life (Mattison III, 2008, p.190). A student may, for example, show a lack of fortitude by staying in bed to avoid stress during exams. However, a student that is brave steps up and prudently studies hard.