Via Romana
SPQR stands for the phrase, Senatus Populusque Romanus (The Senate and the People of Rome), referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic, and used as an official signature of the government as well as the motto of the city of Rome.
Here's one reason why we have given Rome a special place in our site: Rome is not just a place, it is also a way; it is the force behind the Empire and the Glory. The Romans specified a Roman way; values; objectives to personal and public virtues.
Personal virtues
Spiritual Authority. The sense of one's social standing, built up through experience that the Romans called Auctoritas.
Humor. Ease of manner, openness, and friendliness (Comitas)
Mercy. (Clementia)
Dignity. A sense of self-worth, personal pride (Dignitas)
Tenacity. The ability to stick to one's purpose (Firmitas).
Parsimony. Economy and simplicity of style. (Frugalitas)
Gravity. A sense of the importance of the matter at hand, responsibility, and earnestness (Gravitas).
Respectability. The image that one presents as a respectable member of society (Honestas).
Humanity. Refinement, learning, and being cultured (Humanitas)
Industriousness. Hard work (Industria).
Duty. Respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously; patriotism and devotion to others (Pietas).
Prudence. Foresight, wisdom, and discretion (Prudentia).
Wholesomeness. Health & hygiene (Salubritas).
Sternness. Gravity, self-control (Severitas).
Truthfulness. Honesty in dealing with self and with others (Veritas).
In addition to the personal virtues, which were aspired to by individuals, Roman culture also strived to uphold virtues that were shared by all of society in common:
Public Virtues
Some of the virtues to which individuals were expected to aspire are also public virtues to be sought by society as a whole. These virtues were often expressed by minting them on coinage; in this way, their message would be shared by the entire Roman world. In many cases, these Virtues were personified as deities.
Abundantia: (Abundance, Plenty) The ideal of there being enough food and prosperity for all segments of society.
Aequitas: (Equity) Fair dealing both within government and among the people.
Clementia: (Clemency) Mercy, shown to other nations.
Concordia: (Concord) Harmony among the Roman people, and also between Rome and other nations.
Felicitas: (Happiness, prosperity) A tribute to the best aspects of Roman society.
Fides: (Confidence) Good faith in all dealings, commercial and governmental.
Fortuna: (Fortune) Appreciation of positive events.
Genius: (Spirit of Rome) The combined spirit of Rome, and its people.
Hilaritas: (Mirth, rejoicing) An expression of happy times.
Justicia: (Justice) As expressed by sensible laws and governance.
Laetitia: (Joy, Gladness) The celebration of thanksgiving, often of the resolution of crisis.
Liberalitas: (Liberality) Generous giving.
Libertas: (Freedom) A Virtue that has been subsequently aspired to by all cultures.
Nobilitas: (Nobility) Noble action, privately and publicly.
Ops: (Wealth) Acknowledgement of the prosperity of the Roman world.
Patientia: (Endurance, Patience) The ability to weather storms and crisis.
Pax: "Peace" A celebration of peace among society and between nations.
Pietas: (Piety, Dutifulness) Homage to the gods.
Providentia: (Providence, Forethought) The ability to survive trials and manifest a greater destiny.
Pudicita: (Modesty, Chastity) The antithesis of moral corruptness.
Salus: (Safety) Concern for public health and welfare.
Securitas: (Security) Brought by peace and efficient governance.
Spes: (Hope) Especially during times of difficulty.
Uberitas: (Fertility) Particularly concerning agriculture.
Virtus: (Courage) Especially of leaders within society and government.
Everyone should aspire to these qualities of life — the Roman Way. They are thought to be those qualities that gave the Roman Republic the moral strength to conquer and civilize the world. Today, they are rods against which we can measure our own behavior and character, and we can strive to better understand and practice them in our everyday lives.
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