“We are not studying in order to know what virtue is, but to become good, for otherwise there would be no profit in it.” Aristotle
It’s time to reclaim the idea of virtue.
The Oxford dictionary definition of virtue is, “Behaviour showing high moral standards.” Nothing wrong with that, is there? The world definitely needs more behaviour showing high moral standards.
Real virtues are like instructions in a manual for living productively. We may think of things like love and kindness and loyalty and trustworthiness as pleasant optional extras, but try living happily without them. Working at developing virtues in our everyday lives creates the environment necessary for spectacular human growth.
And that, as Aristotle might have said, is where the profit in virtue lies.
“…for the human reality may be compared to a seed. If we sow the seed, a mighty tree appears from it. The virtues of the seed are revealed in the tree; it puts forth branches, leaves, blossoms, and produces fruits. All these virtues were hidden and potential in the seed. Through the blessing and bounty of cultivation these virtues became apparent. (1)”
