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Single Idea 20482

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue ]

Full Idea

What Stoics did from virtue I teach myself to do from temperament.

Gist of Idea

Virtue inspires Stoics, but I want a good temperament

Source

Michel de Montaigne (III.10 On Restraining your Will [1580], p.1153)

Book Ref

Montaigne,Michel de: 'The Complete Essays', ed/tr. Screech,M.A. [Penguin 1987], p.1153

A Reaction

I take this to be an Aristotelian criticism of Stoicism. They venerate virtue above everything, but Aristotle says you must integrate virtue into your very being, so that right actions flow from you, with very little need for premeditation.

The 4 ideas from 'III.10 On Restraining your Will'

20479 People at home care far more than soldiers risking death about the outcome of wars [Montaigne]
20480 There is not much point in only becoming good near the end of your life [Montaigne]
20481 Nothing we say can be worse than unsaying it in the face of authority [Montaigne]
20482 Virtue inspires Stoics, but I want a good temperament [Montaigne]