--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our virtues are voluntary (and in fact we…" description: "\"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..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/372/aristotle-78_causes_our-virtues-are-voluntary-and-in-fact-we_1599062.jpg" --- # 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.” quote by Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/372/aristotle-78_causes_our-virtues-are-voluntary-and-in-fact-we_1599062.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/372/aristotle-78_causes_our-virtues-are-voluntary-and-in-fact-we_1599062.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/372/aristotle-78_causes_our-virtues-are-voluntary-and-in-fact-we_1599062.jpg) > “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.” [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) ## 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [Vices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vices/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [The attainment of truth is then the function of both the intellectual parts of the soul. 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