Character Quote by Mark O'Keefe
““St. Thomas Aquinas understood virtues to be habitual or abiding dispositions that help us to realize the good in our decisions and actions. These habitual dispositions, acquired through repetition and an effort over time (and, at the same time, given to us by God through grace), make accomplishing the good easier, more immediate, requiring less internal deliberation and struggle.””
About This Quote
Virtues are habits formed through repeated effort and divine grace, making good actions easier and less conflicted.
In simple terms: Virtues are habits that simplify good deeds.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtuous habits through practice.
Themes
ethics
spirituality
habit formation
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- daily life
- decision making
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
theology
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits can you start to embody virtue?
- How does grace influence your moral choices?
A Different Perspective
Developing virtues may conflict with personal desires.
![“The 'words' of Augustine, Origen, Clement of Alexandria, St. John of Damascus, St. Thomas Aquinas, et al, may not have carried the weight of Canon, however they were neither paper-like nor mere 'pellets'." ~R. Alan Woods [2012]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/461/r-alan-woods-1455_canon_the-words-of-augustine-origen-clement-of_1178430.jpg)
![“Saint Thomas Aquinas says, wisely, that the only way to drive out a bad passion is by a stronger good passion. The same is true of thoughts as of passions. When your mind wanders, like a child, your will must bring it back, like a mother. [. . .] The will-parent must discipline the mind-child…” quote by Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/726/peter-kreeft-820_discipline_saint-thomas-aquinas-says-wisely-that-th_537121.jpg)
