The highest virtue of mind is wisdom, and the highest moral virtue is prudence – which is itself a practical wisdom according to the ancient Greeks. Wisdom is joining mind and heart with the proper order. Wisdom understands that although the highest truth provides clarity and brings peace, simply knowing is insufficient. Loving – in, through, and with truth – is what brings meaning and purpose to any order I have discovered in life.
The order I discover always hinges on a real good. In other words, the good I judge to be most important – consciously or unconsciously – is the one that concretely influences all my thoughts, words, and actions. If the most important good for me is food, my life energy will be consumed by figuring out my next meal – and when I’m full I temporarily lose my sense of purpose. If the most important good for me is sex, my life energy will be directed at gratifying those urges – and when they are fulfilled I experience a moment of emptiness and confusion. If the most important good for me is being in control, I will seek to dominate any situation or relationship I find myself in – and when I can’t dominate I avoid or attempt to destroy.
