Full Idea
It is the historical, individual, nature of the virtues as actually exemplified which makes it difficult to learn goodness from another person.
Gist of Idea
It is hard to learn goodness from others, because their virtues are part of their personal history
Source
Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], I)
Book Reference
Murdoch,Iris: 'The Sovereignty of Good' [RKP 1974], p.30
A Reaction
A penetrating remark, which strikes me as true. When confronted with a virtuous person you might want to acquire their virtue, just as you might want them to teach you algebra, but their virtues are too bound up with their individuality.