🧵 Thread

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1000 years ago, Islamic philosopher Miskawayh explored: how can humans perfect their character? His answer used Greek philosophy with Islamic wisdom to create a practical science of virtue. Here's his map to becoming virtuous:

This thread explores: - The 4 cardinal virtues (+1 special virtue) - Why virtue needs society - The path from worldly to divine virtues - What true justice means

1. Miskawayh identified 4 cardinal virtues, each tied to a part of your soul: • Temperance controls desires (from appetite) • Courage balances anger (from heart) • Wisdom guides reason (from mind) • Justice manages all (from intellect) Plus: Liberality - a fifth "quasi-cardinal" virtue

2. Each virtue is a balance point: Courage example: • Too little = cowardice • Too much = recklessness • Just right = protecting what matters Just like a traditional doctor balances bodily humors, we must balance our character.

3. A key insight he shared: You can't become virtuous alone. Miskawayh: "Virtue requires others." That's why divine law creates three levels of community: • Weekly prayers (city) • Yearly festivals (region) • Hajj (world)

Divine law plays a crucial role: - Structures society for virtue - Creates communal bonds - Brings people together in worship - Makes virtue practical through rules

4. Virtues have different lifespans: Worldly virtues (courage, liberality): • Help you in this life • End at death Wisdom and justice: • Benefit your soul eternally • Shape your afterlife

5. True justice isn't just "being fair." It's the intellect's ability to: • Manage all other virtues • Give everyone their due • Balance your soul's faculties • Create harmony in society

Character development isn't just personal improvement. It's a divine gift that: • Perfects your worldly character • Prepares your soul for eternity • Builds harmonious communities • Reflects God's wisdom in creation

Inspiration for this thread came from the chapter: "The Virtues, from philosophy to scripture: Refining Character traits in Miskawayh and Ghazali." in the book "The Polished Mirror" by Cyrus Ali Zargar @czargar amazon.com/Polished-Mirror-Storytelling-Philosophy-Oneworld/dp/1786072017