Full Idea
If virtue is a beneficial attribute of spirit, it must be wisdom; for spiritual qualities are not in themselves advantageous, but become so with wisdom…..Hence men cannot be good by nature.
Clarification
'Virtue' is the Greek word 'areté', also translated as 'excellence'. 'Wisdom' is the Greek word 'sophia'
Gist of Idea
Spiritual qualities only become advantageous with the growth of wisdom
Source
Plato (Meno [c.376 BCE], 88c)
Book Reference
Plato: 'Protagoras and Meno', ed/tr. Guthrie,W K C [Penguin 1956], p.142
A Reaction
Personally I haven't got any 'spiritual qualities', so I don't really understand this.