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Ideas for 'After Finitude', 'The Meditations (To Himself)' and 'Letters'

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2 ideas

23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / b. Living naturally

3069	The art of life is more like the wrestler's than the dancer's [Aurelius]
	Full Idea: The art of life is more like the wrestler's than the dancer's.
	From: Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations (To Himself) [c.170], 7.61)

23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue

4580	All virtues benefit either the public, or the individual who possesses them [Hume]
	Full Idea: I desire you to consider if there be any quality that is virtuous, without having a tendency either to the public good or to the good of the person who possesses it.
	From: David Hume (Letters [1739], to Hutcheson 1739)
	A reaction: Obviously this is generally true. How, though, does it benefit the individual to secretly preserve their integrity? I go round to visit a friend to repay a debt; I am told they have died; I quietly leave some money on the table and leave. Why?