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Single Idea 21481

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / a. Virtues]

Full Idea

Because of their profounder ethical and metaphysical insight, the Buddhists start not with the cardinal virtues but with cardinal vices, …which are lust, sloth, wrath and avarice (and maybe hatred).

Gist of Idea

Buddhists wisely start with the cardinal vices

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena [1851], VIII:110)

A Reaction

This may be right. Our lives are affected much more by the vices of others than by their virtues, and most virtuous behaviour aims at rectifying the bad effects of other people's vices.

Book Reference

Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'Essays and Aphorisms [from Pand P]', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1970], p.133