back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 4379

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character ]

Full Idea

It is hard, if not impossible, to remove by argument the traits that have long since been incorporated in the character.

Gist of Idea

It is very hard to change a person's character traits by argument

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1179b18)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.336


A Reaction

True, and a strong justification for Aristotle's approach, that the crucial element in morality is the early creation of character. But teachers can argue about what to teach.

Related Idea

Idea 23913 Nearly all the good and bad states of character are concerned with feelings [Aristotle]