The 9 Noble Virtues – A Suitable Hierarchy
By K Nowakowski AOR
The following is the result of a two day project partaken by myself and an individual not exactly an Odinist, but a man of great integrity. We took the Nine Noble Virtues, first defining each one as applied to the self.
These definitions were chosen through discussion with reference to a few dictionaries at our disposal. Once this was complete we arranged in order of what we thought is a suitable hierarchy of importance and gave a brief explanation. This is a personal assertion that you may or may not agree with, though, thought provoking as it is I hope it presents an additional way to consider these virtues regarded so.
Nine Noble Virtues Defined
Courage : Mastery of fear as a state of mind or spirit.
Discipline : Self-control, specific character, behaviour patterns, training that produces moral/mental improvement.
Fidelity : Loyalty, devotion, to self honesty, to your virtues, to be loyal to your values
Honour : Distinction, honour is self-esteem made visible in action, personal integrity, respect.
Hospitality: Courteousness, kindness.
Industriousness : Production, productive, anti-sloth.
Perseverance : Endure, to persist in a purpose, idea or task in the face of adversity and strife
Self Reliance: Independence, self sufficiency, faith in self.
Truth : Seek truth, personal honesty
Suggested Hierarchy of Virtues and Why
Discipline: To live nobly or to make anything possible you must have self control
Courage: One must have discipline to master fear as a permanent mental/spiritual state.
Truth: One must have the above in order to seek truth in all things including self.
Honour: One must have the above to recognise and therefore maintain personal integrity
Fidelity: One must have the above in order to be able to instill in themselves any value or virtue
Perseverance: One must have the above in order to endure /persist in the face of adversity
Industriousness: One must have the above to be actively productive and unslothful
Self Reliance: One must have the above in order to acquire independence and faith in one’s endeavours
Hospitality: Finally it is virtuous to be courteous.
