Single Idea 57

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / d. Teaching virtue]

Full Idea

It is from the repeated performance of just and temperate acts that we acquire virtues.

Clarification

'Virtue' here is the Greek word 'areté', which also translates as 'excellence'

Gist of Idea

We acquire virtue by the repeated performance of just and temperate acts

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1105b04)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.98


A Reaction

Presumably one can endlessly compel a child or an employee or a slave to perform just and temperate acts, but still not generate the actual virtue.