Slow Havamal: 48

In the 48th verse, it’s the kind and the brave who live the best, never holding a grudge, while the unwise worry over every detail—even how to repay a gift.

We would probably agree that to be kind is a virtue, and so is to be brave. What’s interesting is that Havamal appears to create a third virtue, unnamed but defined as the presence of both, striking the balance that leads to the best life. The kind don’t have to be brave. They may be kind because they’re afraid of what will happen to them if they aren’t. And we can all think of examples of times when brave men act with cruelty. What is it about these characteristics that makes such a fine pair?( Read more... )