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]