Prudence

Use in the book

The paired sowing and harvest image joins prudence with success while denying an indissoluble connection: events can separate what seems naturally related. The contrast with justice assigns prudence concern for ourselves. A longer political note therefore insists on moral prudence, preferring frankness during deliberation to circumspection that benefits only its possessor. Circumspection can be better in execution, where the task differs. Finally, politics is assigned to prudence and choosing rather than demonstration. This is a distinction of intellectual methods, not a promise that prudent government never fails.

Places to read

1. I, p. 164, entry 11, ¶1Success can be separated from prudence by the course of events.
2. II, p. 510, entry 6, ¶1Prudence and justice concern different objects.
3. II, p. 689, entry 3, ¶1Frank deliberation is distinguished from circumspect execution.
4. II, p. 872–873, entry 10, ¶1Politics is located in practical choosing and judgment.

Translation in this edition

The English translation preserves the unresolved French residues in the deliberation passage and makes its pronoun refer to frankness or sincerity. Science becomes knowledge in the political contrast; the faculty of choosing is not narrowed to electoral procedure. The natural/not-indissoluble qualification remains.

Circumspection

French: circonspection.

Circonspection is distinguished from moral prudence. Circumspection is judged better in execution, while frankness or sincerity is better in deliberation, where it opens more possible means for consideration. The English translation preserves the source’s damaged residues and keeps the following It attached to frankness or sincerity, not to circumspection.

Places to read: II, p. 689, entry 3, ¶1.

Use in the book

At the Cross prudence belongs with courage and zeal among the virtues to be learned. Its standard is loving imitation, not simply protection of the self from disadvantage. The combination allows energetic action to be guided rather than merely restrained.

IV.39 provides its field. The world sustains persons toward whom fidelity, wisdom, courage, and prudence can be exercised. Those who receive care are thereby the giver’s true treasures. Practical judgment is part of possession understood as responsible participation: one does not adequately enjoy other people without learning how to be wisely employed for their good.

Places to read

1. I.61Prudence is learned with courageous and active virtues through contemplation of Christ.
2. IV.39Prudence is exercised among the persons whose care makes them treasures.

In this edition

Prudence need not imply a timid or self-protective policy. Both occurrences associate it with courage and the good of other people.