Our virtues are voluntary (and in fact we are in a sense…
“Our virtues are voluntary (and in fact we are in a sense ourselves partly the cause of our moral dispositions, and it is our having a certain character that makes us set up an end of a certain kind), it follows that our vices are voluntary also; they are voluntary in the same manner as our virtues.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Moral character is shaped by choices; both virtues and vices arise from deliberate actions.
In simple terms: Our habits determine our moral nature.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate good habits, avoid harmful ones.
Themes
ethics
choice
character
volition
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- leadership
- education
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify the choices that shape your character?
- What habits reinforce your virtues?
A Different Perspective
Good intentions can be undermined by external pressures.