The height and value of true virtue consists in the…
“The height and value of true virtue consists in the facility, utility, and pleasure of its exercise; so far from difficulty, that boys, as well as men, and the innocent as well as the subtle, may make it their own; and it is by order and good conduct, and not by force, that it is to be acquired.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Virtue is valuable when it is easy, useful, and enjoyable to practice, allowing anyone—from children to sophisticated adults—to adopt it voluntarily through proper order and conduct rather than coercion.
In simple terms: Virtue thrives when effortless and rewarding.
Key Takeaway
Ease and pleasure foster moral adoption.
Themes
ethics
education
human nature
self-improvement
social order
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
didactic
When to use this quote
- teaching children moral habits
- designing workplace ethics programs
- community building initiatives
Key Concepts
virtue
voluntary practice
order vs force
Practical Applications
- curriculum design for character education
- policy frameworks promoting voluntary compliance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does making virtue enjoyable affect its persistence?
- What role does social order play in moral development?