# Section I: Of the Character of the Individual, So Far as It Affects His Own Happiness; or of Prudence explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments > Chapter companion for The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith. ## What happens This section defines prudence as the virtue concerned with the care of one's health, fortune, rank, and reputation. It describes the prudent man as cautious, sincere, reserved, and industrious, prioritizing security and steady accumulation over risk. The prudent man is guided by the impartial spectator and avoids the ostentation and follies of more brilliant but imprudent figures. The section also contrasts the social perception of great crimes versus petty ones, noting that imprudence often determines the degree of condemnation. ## Themes in this chapter ### The Impartial Spectator The prudent man is supported and rewarded by the entire approbation of the impartial spectator, who views present and future situations similarly. ### Virtue as Propriety and Self-Command Prudence involves self-command to sacrifice present ease for future benefit, and the prudent man is an exact observer of decency and decorum. ### Corruption of Moral Sentiments by Wealth and Rank The desire for rank and credit among equals is a stronger motive for acquiring fortune than mere bodily necessities, and great conquerors are admired despite their violence. ## Character check-ins ### Socrates Mentioned as an example of a man of splendid talents who displayed improper contempt for ordinary decorums. ### Voltaire Cited alongside Socrates and others as a figure of great talents who set a pernicious example by disregarding social decorums. ### Alexander the Great Referenced as an example of a great figure who, along with Philip, showed insolent contempt for the ordinary decorums of life. ### Philip Mentioned with Alexander the Great as an example of those who disregarded social decorums. ### Caesar Referenced as Caesar Borgia, whose infamous murder of four princes is discussed as an example of great crimes that went unpunished due to imprudence not being evident. ### Machiavel Noted as a resident minister at Caesar Borgia's court who coolly described the murder of the princes, showing no indignation. ## Key lines > The prudent man is always sincere, and feels horror at the very thought of exposing himself to the disgrace which attends upon the detection of falsehood. The prudent person is always truthful and dreads the shame of being caught lying. _Highlights the prudent man's commitment to sincerity and avoidance of disgrace._ > Security, therefore, is the first and the principal object of prudence. The main goal of prudence is to ensure safety and avoid risk. _Summarizes the cautious nature of prudence as defined in the chapter._ > The impartial spectator does not feel himself worn out by the present labour of those whose conduct he surveys; nor does he feel himself solicited by the importunate calls of their present appetites. The impartial observer is not affected by the immediate hardships or desires of the person he judges, allowing him to evaluate their situation objectively. _Explains the role of the impartial spectator in approving the prudent man's self-command._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-character-of-the-individual-so-far-as-it-affects-his-own-happiness-or-of-prudence - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters