If every virtue is thought of as the center of a circle...

If every virtue is thought of as the center of a circle, any movement away from the center would be considered as a vice, and the farther away it were to move from this point, the greater the vice. For every virtue, therefore, there are innumerable vices; since there is only one center in a circle, whereas points all around the center are infinite in number. In regard to deviation, it does not make difference in which direction the deviation occurs.

Deviation from the center, in whatever direction, is a vice. To find the real center, which entails absolute moderation, is thus difficult to attain. To remain at this center and to preserve this balance is even more difficult. The Prophet (S) said: شيبتني سورة هود لمكان ((فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ) The Surat Hud has made an old man of me because of the verse, `Remain as steadfast as you have been commanded'.

(11:112) As opposed to the real center, there is the approximate center, which is more accessible. Individuals who purify and develop their souls usually reach this relative center and acquire relative moderation. It is for this reason that moral virtues differ with different individuals, circumstances, and times. Relative moderation, like deviation, covers a wide area at the center of which lies the point of absolute balance and moderation.

The Various Types of Vice We have already said that deviation from moderation and the mean causes vice. This deviation towards either of the two extremes on each side of the mean has infinite degrees. Here we will mention only the two extremes for every moral virtue.

Deficiency • stupidity • cowardice • lethargy • submissiveness Moderation • wisdom • courage • chastity • justice Excess • slyness • foolhardiness • rapaciousness • tyranny There are, therefore, eight kinds of vices, for every one of which we shall give a brief description. 1. Stupidity is deficiency of wisdom; that is, not using the power of the intellect to understand the nature of things. 2.

Slyness is the excessive use of the intellect; that is, using the power of the intellect in matters for which it is inappropriate, or using it too much in matters for which it is appropriate. 3. Cowardice is deficiency of courage; that is, fear and irresolution in cases where there is no cause for them. 4. Foolhardiness is the excess of courage; that is, reckless action in cases where it is inappropriate. 5.

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