In the swirling tempest of today’s political discourse, a breath of fresh air is breathed through an unexpected assembly of traditional virtues: courage, prudence, wisdom, justice, and forgiveness. These virtues might seem like relics from an old playbook, but in fact, they are the cornerstones of robust character and, astonishingly enough, functioning societies. Fun, right?

First on the podium is courage, that daring spirit which politicians on both sides sometimes flash when they’re not too busy checking the latest polls. Courage, in this world of safe spaces and trigger warnings, is the foundation. Without it, nothing stands. Imagine a world powered by courage—a touching daytime drama where folks stand up for inconvenient truths without fear of being canceled.

Next, we don our sensible hats with prudence. This underappreciated virtue whispers the sweet, sensible advice to avoid doing everything all the time everywhere. If only more people, especially in Congress, could hear it! Prudence calls for a bit of consideration, a sprinkle of discernment, and perhaps a few moments of pause before hitting the “tweet” button. Wouldn’t it be revolutionary to see some prudence in action at the next legislative session?

Wisdom makes a grand entrance, reminding us it’s not just for old people in rocking chairs. Wisdom isn’t an innate trait; it grows with experience—hardly ever acquired by bingeing another Netflix series. Wisdom guides one to wield courage and prudence together like peanut butter and jelly—indispensable complements to a well-rounded life. It is about understanding the world’s mechanics before jumping in to make it better or worse.

Now, justice and forgiveness arrive, a dynamic duo with the potential to save us from ourselves. Justice ensures everything remains in working order and keeps the societal engine purring like a satisfied kitten. Yet, forgiveness offers a soft landing when justice feels a bit too sharp. But let’s get this clear—there’s no forgiveness without justice first. Imagine someone borrowing your book without asking and returning it with coffee stains and dog-eared pages. Justice brings them to task, and forgiveness kindly lets them borrow another book (perhaps with some ground rules this time).

Finally, a perhaps surprising excellence—beauty—steps onto the stage. While not traditionally categorized as a virtue like the others, it’s the unsung hero, radiating joy simply by existing. In a world where some may critique the male gaze and the politics of beauty, it’s easy to forget that beauty is a gift to be shared—a shared truth clothing the human experience in joy. Next time someone mentions “beauty privilege,” remember they’re simply acknowledging a universal source of delight that’s as natural as any other wonder of the world.

Returning to these virtues might seem like inviting old friends to a futuristic party, but maybe it’s just what our culture needs—a little wisdom, justice, and yes, even beauty to remind us all what it means to be truly human. These virtues, when embraced, offer a vital reminder that in a world eager to redefine values, sometimes the simplest ones hold the most profound truths.