To determine how you should grow in virtue, it's important to understand first which root sin is dominant in your life. In his Summa Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that "All sinful acts spring from inordinate self-love, which hinders us from loving God above all else and tempts us to turn away from him." From this inordinate self-love are born the three root sins of pride, vanity, and sensuality that are recorded in Scripture:
Click each section below to expand/collapse it for more info to help with identifying your dominant root sin and its opposing virtue to "overcome evil with good.’” (Romans 12:21)"For all that is in the world, sensual lust [sensuality], enticement for the eyes [vanity], and a pretentious life [pride], is not from the Father but is from the world."
-1 John 2:16
How are you struggling with the root sins of pride, vanity, and sensuality in your life? While you may struggle with all three at the same time, one will be more dominant by having more manifestations than the others. Determine your dominant root sin by reviewing the common manifestations of each one below and identifying which root sin has the most manifestations in your life.
Pride
Pride refers to a disordered attachment to our own excellence. The proud person tends to seek meaning and fulfillment in their own achievements and conquests. Common manifestations of pride are:
Vanity
Vanity is a disordered attachment to the approval of other people. The vain person tends to seek meaning and fulfillment in being appreciated or liked by other people. Common manifestations of vanity are:
Sensuality
Sensuality is a disordered attachment to comfort, ease, and pleasure. The sensual person tends to seek meaning and fulfillment in taking it easy and simply enjoying life. Common manifestations of sensuality are: