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Full Idea
We value our characters as our own personal possessions, whether they are good and envied by men or not. We must regard our neighbours' characters thus too, if they are respectable.
Gist of Idea
We value our own character, whatever it is, and we should respect the characters of others
Source
Epicurus (Principle Doctrines ('Kuriai Doxai') (frags) [c.290 BCE], 15)
Book Ref
Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.36
A Reaction
I like this because it introduces a metaethical dimension to the whole problem of virtue. We should value our own character - so should we try to improve it? Should we improve so much as to become unrecognisable?
Related Idea
Idea 14519 It is a great good to show reverence for a wise man [Epicurus]
| 14524 | Bodies are combinations of shape, size, resistance and weight [Epicurus] |
| 14517 | We value our own character, whatever it is, and we should respect the characters of others [Epicurus] |
| 14518 | In the study of philosophy, pleasure and knowledge arrive simultaneously [Epicurus] |
| 14513 | Justice is a pledge of mutual protection [Epicurus] |
| 14519 | It is a great good to show reverence for a wise man [Epicurus] |
| 3560 | Justice is merely a contract about not harming or being harmed [Epicurus] |
| 14515 | A law is not just if it is not useful in mutual associations [Epicurus] |
| 14520 | It is small-minded to find many good reasons for suicide [Epicurus] |
| 14521 | If everything is by necessity, then even denials of necessity are by necessity [Epicurus] |
| 3563 | Pleasure and virtue entail one another [Epicurus] |
| 14522 | What happens to me if I obtain all my desires, and what if I fail? [Epicurus] |