Gravitas (Classical Latin:[ˈɡrawɪt̪aːs̠]) was one of the ancientRomanvirtues[1] that denoted seriousness.[2] It is also translated variously as weight, dignity, and importance andconnotes restraint and moral rigor.[1] It also conveys a sense of responsibility and commitment to the task.[3]
Along withpietas (regard for discipline and authority),severitas,gloria,simplicitas (lucidity),integritas,dignitas, andvirtus,gravitas was particularly appreciated as an ideal characteristic in leaders.[2]Gravitas andvirtus are considered more canonical virtues than the others.[1]
Gravitas was one of the virtues that allowed citizens, particularly statesmen, to embody the concept ofromanitas,[5] which denotes what it meant to be Roman and how Romans regarded themselves, eventually evolving into a national character.[6] Many Roman philosophers praisedconstantia (perseverance, endurance, and courage),dignitas, andgravitas as the most important virtues; this is because they made dignified men capable. They accompany Roman actions.[7] The men of the ruling upper and upper-middle classes were educated in a public school system whereClassical language and literature formed basic elements of the curriculum.[8]
Exudinggravitas or dignified and serious conduct allowed Romans to maintain a persistent element ofconservatism and traditionalism.[6] According to the Roman emperor and philosopherMarcus Aurelius, the cultivation ofgravitas involves acting with sincerity and dignity, by being temperate in manner and speech as well as by carrying oneself with authority.[9][better source needed]
Other sources associategravitas with living an austere lifestyle. It was one of the moral bases of the sanctioned control exercised by the Romancensores (seeRoman Censors).[1] An account described how old statesmen who realized that they no longer meet the standards ofromanitas for failing to perform their public function with dignity andgravitas committed suicide or simply refused taking food.[5] This concerned how the Romans defined themselves and their honor.[10]
DuringAugustus' regime,gravitas was not included in the fourcardinal virtues (virtus,clementia,justitia, andpietas) that were introduced to establish the myth of the Roman emperor and the model of a good ruler.[11]
Aristotle identified three essentials of persuasive communication—a component of personal presence:
In the British education system,gravitas was seen as one of the pillars of the moral formation of the English gentleman during theVictorian andEdwardian eras.[12] This partly derived from the notion of aristocratic pedigree, indicating polish, grace in manner, and dignity in outward appearance.[13] TheBritish Empire also derived from the moral concept ofimperium such thatgravitas and other Roman virtues were idealized in its imperial society and in the governance of its dominion.[14]India, for instance, was ruled by men whose senses of power were imbued with Roman virtues.[14] The concept ofimperium also dominated the colonial Civil Service.[14] The United KingdomHouse of Commons also uses the term "bottom",[15] which is theConservative code forgravitas.[16]
Gravitas is also used incommunication, particularly in speech, where it denotes the use of emphasis in order to give certain words weight.[17]Self-monitoring questions can determine expressive behavior and affective display, which could translate togravitas in the way one conducts oneself or speaks.[relevant?] Self-monitoring questions can include: am I staying neutral, hindering direction, or am I helping to contribute with my participation?[18]
The men of the ruling upper and upper-middle classes were educated in a public school system where Classical language and literature formed basic elements of the curriculum. Greek and Roman concepts, in particular the significant Roman concept of gravitas, played a fundamental role in the formation of the character of the English gentleman.
The dictionary definition ofgravitas at Wiktionary
