Hillsdale College

Prudence

Know how to act in pursuit of the good.

StoriesLives of Virtue

Prudence, or “practical wisdom,” is the cardinal virtue that consists in right reasoning and correct knowledge about what is to be done. The habit of prudence belongs to reason itself, rather than to the will or to any of the passions. It is what enables us to determine accurately what is the morally good thing to do under particular circumstances. Prudence, therefore, governs all other moral virtues and directs them to the ways that can best attain their own ends.

Prudence is our ability to know the difference between right and wrong and then to act on that knowledge by doing the right thing because it is good. This virtue helps us use all of the other virtues we gain through practice and making the right choices.

Related Virtues

Deliberation

Good Judgment

Featured Stories

King ArthurAlice M. Hadfield
Grade 4-6

Story

Featured Biographies

Who Was George Washington?Roberta Edwards
Grade 2-4

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Lives of Virtue

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln exemplified virtue through his steadfast commitment to justice and the preservation of the Union, guiding the nation with moral clarity and courage during its darkest hours.
George Washington
George WashingtonThanks to his integrity, humility, courage, and wisdom, George Washington has long been known as one of the greatest leaders in American history.