Kardynalna cnota roztropności według kroniki bł. Wincentego Kadłubka

Abstract

The character of every person is composed of certain skills; this refers to moral virtues and flaws, and that, in turn, means the opposite of virtues. Among the four cardinal virtues prudence, being the virtue perfecting the reason, occupies a special place. According to Wincenty Kadłubek (ca. 1150-1223), the bishop of Cracow (1208-1218) and a Cistercian from Jędrzejów (1218-1223), a righteous man should be both full of God and prudence. The chronicler believed that prudence comes with time, since only the one can be called prudent who has already got to know himself. An important element in the formation of prudence is the company of prudent people; it is their company which makes one learn constantly, explore and evaluate, forming opinions of one's own on every topic. The acquisition of the virtue of prudence always leads to the shaping of other virtues as well, such as: sobriety, patience and simplicity. Wincenty Kadłubek discusses in his chronicle five virtues of a prudent person: being brave in providing council, wary, cautious, moderate and sensible. A person who is brave in providing council remains calm in every situation, considers all possibilities and utters the right words in the right manner. It is thanks to wariness that such a person avoids numerous dangers, and caution saves him from going from one extreme to the other, e.g. to believe every person or not to believe anyone. Moderation allows a prudent person to anticipate the end of every matter, since the thing or situation whose outcome is good is good itself. Prudence, however, makes it possible for one to choose the right means which allow one to reach the intended aim. Master Wincenty believed that a special kind of prudence is sovereign's prudence. The protagonists of this chronicle are rulers, both historical and legendary. The chronicler states that the ruling person must always be openminded, wary, cautious and sensible in all his or her actions. Not only should the ruler bare insults and injustice patiently but he or she should be able to forgive. He should not trust blind fate either, or get involved into dangerous games. The opposite virtue to prudence is foolhardiness. According to bishop Wincenty, a person deprived of prudence often becomes a monster and a tyrant. Such a man is always a caricature of the righteous man and is able to become cruel, even towards his loved ones.