Wings of Desire
Humanities 100
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an angel and observe the life
invisible to humans? As an angel you can read human thoughts and feel their pain and emotions.
Some say that the brain is one of the most powerful things one could possess; a mind can create,
but it can also destroy, so it should never be wasted. 1980’s fantasy drama “Wings of Desire” by
Wim Wenders, helps visualize this concept. Two angels Damiel and Cassiel, are sent to observe
the Earth, unseen and unheard by the humans. In their observations they pay attention to the
passing of time; during their time, they experience virtues. Virtues can be defined as the heart of
our moral life. They are the good habits that help us do good and empower us to become what
God wants us to be
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. There are four recognized cardinal virtues: Prudence, Fortitude,
Temperance and Justice. These personal qualities demonstrate that who we are, ultimately affects
what we do.
The four cardinal virtues, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance and Justice are synonymous
to one another, in terms of how they are practiced. Therefore, if you do not possess one of
virtues, all the others are spoiled and refrains you from possessing any virtue at all. Of the four,
