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Single Idea 20482

[catalogued under 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)

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.

Book Reference

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