The illustration of the horse and chariot reminds us that the soul is meant to move, to be led, to carry us somewhere. But it also reminds us that not all movement is progress. Only when our passions are rightly directed—under the guidance of our intellect and the strength of our will—can our lives move in the direction of true goodness.

The seven chief virtues correlate to each part of the horse and chariot. The intellect, the charioteer of the soul, is perfected by the virtue of prudence—which enables one to know and direct what is right. The will, represented by the reins, is perfected by the virtue of justice—which enables one to do and uphold what is right. The passions, symbolized by the powerful horses, are perfected by the virtues of fortitude—which enables one to endure difficulties and trials—and temperance—which enables one to moderate desires and temptations. And all are perfected and elevated by grace through the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

Principally, faith enlightens the intellect, helping one see as God sees. Hope strengthens the will, so one can endure any struggle, knowing their ultimate hope is in Heaven. Charity orders the passions out of love and not pride. For example, when Jesus flipped the tables in the temple to halt sin, He did it out of love—not pride—demonstrating the righteous and controlled passion of anger to confront sin and stop evil. For it is said, “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it” (Martin Luther King, Jr.). Love stands against evil.

So when you meet one whose choices are consistently wise, whose actions are always honorable, who suffers without breaking, who enjoys without overindulging, and who deeply believes in, hopes for, and loves like Christ—you are seeing a soul formed in virtue. You are seeing what it means to be fully alive, fully human, fully aligned with God’s will.

But remember: this life of virtue is not powered by human effort alone. Scripture warns us, “Human wisdom, brilliance, insight—they are of no help if the Lord is against you. You can get horses ready for battle, but it is the Lord who gives victory” (Proverbs 21:30–31).

Thus, do not run a good race to earn God’s love—it is already given. Pursue virtue not to win salvation, for that is already won by grace through faith. Do it to live in harmony with the One who saved you. To pursue the virtuous life is to cooperate with grace, to say “yes” to God at every turn, and to let the Holy Spirit guide the way—so you are not dragged through life by wild passions, but moved with purpose, strength, and joy, ever closer to the heart of God.