JB/015/292/001

Click Here To Edit

141

In the class consisting of eleven qualities useful to ourselves, there is a
jumble of qualities almost identical though called by different names. It would
be difficult to distinguish in what respect as to virtue discretion & caution differ from
prudence – honesty & fidelity from justice – how economy & frugality are
to be disassociated from prudence – how why industry & assiduity are disunited.
But a few words upon each may serve to remove some of the rubbish mists which are gathered
round the temple of morality.

1 Discretion is the right judgment formed for the purpose of action in cases
of more or less difficulty. It is the quality of mind which makes for
itself a correct estimate of probable results. It is the forethought which
provides marks out the most appropriate line of proceeding in a given course. It is
intellectual aptitude directed to conduct. But this is no more a
virtue than the power of solving an arithmetical problem is a
virtue, – or than the possession of animal strength is a virtue. It
is cleverness derived either from birth or from education.

2 Industry – is an ambiguous word, supposing labor applied to purposes not illaudable
it includes activity with a view to profit. It may be an instrument in the
hands of other virtues – it is no virtue of itself. In another language if
not in our own the word is sometimes employed in an unfavorable sense
chevalier d'industrie, meaning a swindler or cheat – the expression
implying that diligence is used in furthering the purposes of fraud.

3 Frugality, imports action positive or negative. It is prudence employed
in the pecuniary field – self-regarding prudence for the most part.
It is the check which prevents from being wasted or needlessly diminished those means of pleasures which are purchaseable
not associated by wealth. It has is adjacent as Hume not remarks to two vices – to prodigality
which is imprudence – to avarice, which is opposed to effective benevolence.

Identifier: | JB/015/292/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 15.
Date_1		Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	015	Main Headings	deontology
Folio number	292	Info in main headings field
Image	001	Titles
Category	linking material	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	f141
Penner	sir john bowring	Watermarks
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	5508
Box Contents