Single Idea 503

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue]

Full Idea

Virtue consists, not in avoiding wrong-doing, but in having no wish thereto.

Gist of Idea

Virtue doesn't just avoid evil, but also doesn't desire it

Source

Democritus (attrib) (reports [c.250 BCE], B062), quoted by John Stobaeus - Anthology 3.17.37

Book Reference

'Ancilla to the Pre-Socratic Philosophers', ed/tr. Freeman,Kathleen [Harvard 1957], p.100

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