But the virtues we get by first exercising them, as also…
“But the virtues we get by first exercising them, as also happens in the case of the arts as well. For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them, e.g. men become builders by building and lyre players by playing the lyre; so too we become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Virtues develop through practicing the actions that embody them; we become what we repeatedly do.
In simple terms: Practice creates character.
Key Takeaway
Act consistently with the virtues you desire.
Themes
virtue
practice
character
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- learning a skill
- building discipline
- cultivating patience
- training athletes
Key Concepts
ethics
habit formation
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Which virtue do you need to practice more?
- How can you create routines that reinforce virtuous actions?
A Different Perspective
Habits may be hard to sustain without support.