An idea about virtue

[Species8472]

Virtue is something that drains the intellect; as we are not all born of virtue but must conform to it by use of conflict with the self.
Consider all things that are virtuous then consider the self. The will by its self is selfish. What do I want? What do I need?
Virtue would establish a will that is to the contrary. As all words have opposites so do virtues. Patience and un-willingness to wait. Love and hate. Attraction and repulsion. To be virtuous one must consider the positives such as Love. What does it mean to Love?
Do we merely love those who love us? Or would virtue include a love for those we hate?
If you have trouble considering what is virtuous then at first consider the words of Christ. How do they reflect upon you? Do you consider his words virtuous or are you yourself far from virtue?
To love your enemies is what Christ taught...to love those who hate you--that by itself, is virtuous.
We all tend to say that there are many virtues; but fail to recognize the things that we consider virtues;such as, patience--are, in fact, qualities of virtue.
If you have patience then you have a small part of virtue and not a complete virtue. These are simple virtues that reflect our confidence in ourselves.
However, if you were to consider what is the greatest virtue then one must incorporate these smaller virtues into one body, into one substance of being.
The Virtue is all impulse it has no form nor comeliness. It acts and reacts to its environment.
Take an uncarved block for example and let us describe it as of being the soul. If one can carve oneself into Virtue then one has saved his own soul; for that which is virtuous endures forever. A soul that is virtuous has eternal life because virtue describes energy and that which is alone from the body. Energy is eternal delight.

 

[Eudaimonist]

However, if you were to consider what is the greatest virtue then one must incorporate these smaller virtues into one body, into one substance of being.

A virtue that is not incorporated into the substance of one's being, due to which there is inner conflict, is not one's virtue at all. It's someone else's virtue. A foreign virtue.

To the virtuous man, there is no conflict between virtue and will. The virtuous man's will is virtuous.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Species8472]

A virtue that is not incorporated into the substance of one's being, due to which there is inner conflict, is not one's virtue at all. It's someone else's virtue. A foreign virtue.

To the virtuous man, there is no conflict between virtue and will. The virtuous man's will is virtuous.


eudaimonia,

Mark

Ah, but none of us are born with such virtue, so even the virtuous mind has its faults. If the virtuous mind can have no faults then it is impossible for such a thing to exist.

 

[Eudaimonist]

Ah, but none of us are born with such virtue, so even the virtuous mind has its faults. If the virtuous mind can have no faults then it is impossible for such a thing to exist.

Even Robin Hood, who can split an arrow with another arrow, might not be able to hit a bullseye every time. When he was a child, his first pluck of the bow may have missed the target entirely. The bow may have felt uncomfortable in his hands, and tiring to pull. But after much practice, the bow feels like part of his hands -- his being -- and he hits the bullseye nearly every time. Sometimes he may slip a little and miss, but then he corrects himself effortlessly for his next shot.

What, then, is Robin Hood's perfection? He aims at the bullseye, but only manages to hit it 99% of the time. His skill may be great and comfortable, but not absolutely accurate.

His perfection is not in hitting every time, but in the excellent progress that he is making in his practice. His perfection is the perfection of growth -- not perfection of result, but progress and intimate familiarity with the skill. As a growing being starting off with nothing, this is Robin Hood's perfection. The same is true for any skill, including moral skills.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Species8472]

Even Robin Hood, who can split an arrow with another arrow, might not be able to hit a bullseye every time. When he was a child, his first pluck of the bow may have missed the target entirely. The bow may have felt uncomfortable in his hands, and tiring to pull. But after much practice, the bow feels like part of his hands -- his being -- and he hits the bullseye nearly every time. Sometimes he may slip a little and miss, but then he corrects himself effortlessly for his next shot.

What, then, is Robin Hood's perfection? He aims at the bullseye, but only manages to hit it 99% of the time. His skill may be great and comfortable, but not absolutely accurate.

His perfection is not in hitting every time, but in the excellent progress that he is making in his practice. His perfection is the perfection of growth -- not perfection of result, but progress and intimate familiarity with the skill. As a growing being starting off with nothing, this is Robin Hood's perfection. The same is true for any skill, including moral skills.


eudaimonia,

Mark

nice point. thanks for that.