Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Foolhardiness consists in action that is overbold,unreasonably daring. It is in conflict with reason, and hence is anevil or sin.
1. The parts of a virtue are its subsidiary orassociated virtues; that is, virtues aligned with it, but notcoextensive with it. The parts of fortitude are listed by Cicero(De Inv. Rhet. iii) as: (a) magnificence, or loftyundertaking, with noble purpose of mind; (b) confidence,orfirm hope in the undertaking; (c) patience, or prolongedendurance for virtue's sake; (d) perseverance, or fixedpersistence in a well-considered purpose.
2. Foolhardiness sins against the virtue of fortitude byexcess. It is not a reasonable, and even heroic, enduring ofdanger, but a foolish and unreasonable rushing into dangers thatneed not be encountered. Fortitude regulates fears and impulses inthe face of danger; foolhardiness is ill-regulated and wildlyimpulsive. Hence foolhardiness conflicts with fortitude.
128. THE PARTS OF FORTITUDE
"Whom do you seek, friend, if you seek not God? Seek him, find him, cleave to him; bind your will to his with bands of steel and you will live always at peace in this life and in the next."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri
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"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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