Single Idea 7896

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

The falling of drops of water will in time fill a water-jar. Even so the foolish man becomes full of evil, although he gather it little by little.

Gist of Idea

The foolish gradually fill with evil, like a slowly-filled water-jar

Source

Anon (Dham) (The DhammaPada [c.250 BCE], §9.121)

Book Reference

'The DhammaPada', ed/tr. Mascaro,Juan [Penguin 1973], p.52


A Reaction

This coincides closely with Aristotle's view of moral education. Maybe a wise man can maintain one small vice. Not all slopes are slippery.