The disappearance of discussion of the virtues from our culture is of some significance. It indicates that traditional morality, in which these virtues occupied center stage, has gradually faded and is about to disappear both from our culture and from our consciousnesses. The crucial question is, of course, how we should assess this development. Is it a curse, a blessing, or of no significance whatsoever?

Although man is corrupt by nature, he is capable of acquiring virtues. He is born with a number of dangerous instincts, but he is capable of tempering and sometimes even stifling those instincts so that they do not flower into evil…

The traditional virtues have all but disappeared from today’s language.

Hardly anyone seriously talks about judiciousness, righteousness, courage, and temperance, let alone chastity, fidelity, and humility. Over the past five decades, these notions have become archaic, and we often no longer understand their meaning.

This disappearance is of some significance. It indicates that traditional morality, in which these virtues occupied center stage, has gradually faded and is about to disappear both from our culture and from our consciousnesses. The crucial question is, of course, how we should assess this development. Is it a curse, a blessing, or of no significance whatsoever? We cannot provide a meaningful response to that question unless we have some understanding of traditional morality.

And that, in turn, requires us to revisit the archaic notions mentioned above, to review their sense and meaning. In other words, we need to return to the sources.

Defining Virtue

To begin with: why is there is such a strong emphasis on virtues in traditional morality?

To understand that, we first need to know what virtues are: characteristics, talents, capabilities, or something else? The tradition is absolutely unequivocal in its definition. Virtues are good habits that have become second nature. Virtues are qualities—character traits, if you will—that are not innate but which most of us can and must acquire by dint of constant practice. We must strive to acquire these virtues, for they are good for all men.

“What is learned in the cradle lasts till the grave” applies here. Childhood is the ideal time to acquire virtues, for moral education. Accordingly, the institutions that play a primary role in this process are the home and school. While moral education is of great significance, I must leave it aside here since it would distract us too much from the question at issue: why there was such a strong emphasis on virtues in traditional morality.

The short answer has always been: because man is inclined to all evil. But that is too concise to stand on its own. Just like a mathematical formula, its conciseness is a distinct advantage to those who already understand it. Yet, when it comes to the uninitiated, the conciseness may merely frighten and drive them away.

Read More