The cardinal virtues in 2020

We have endured pandemics and plagues throughout history. We have never had the scientific ability to address them as we do now.

However, we’ve never been as acculturated to expect immediate results as we are today. Patience is not our virtue.

Viruses are ignorant of cultural expectations, and pandemics are not brief house guests. They overstay their welcome.

The 1918 influenza (e.g. Spanish flu, which actually began in Kansas) lasted for 15 months. That is the short end of most pandemics.

We have unprecedented science and knowledge to address Covid-19. We have historically unmatched financial resources, albeit unequally distributed.

Do we have the will? Plato (and the Bible) stated the case still relevant today: can we appeal to the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance and fortitude for such a time as this?

The Bible recasts those virtues as faith, hope and love. The greatest of these ...