“Virtue is a habit of the mind, consistent with nature and moderation and reason.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Virtue is a habit of the mind, consistent with nature and moderation and reason.”
Explanation
Cicero defines virtue not as a single act, but as a cultivated mental state—a habit of the mind that aligns with nature, moderation, and reason. This means virtue is a stable disposition, developed through practice and reflection, that guides one to act in harmony with the natural order of things, to avoid extremes, and to be governed by rational thought. It is an ideal of inner balance and moral clarity.
This view stems from Cicero’s deep engagement with Stoic and Aristotelian ethics, which emphasized that true happiness comes from living in accordance with reason and virtue, not from external pleasures or fortune. By describing virtue as habitual, he underscores that it is not accidental or momentary, but built through repeated, conscious effort. The integration of moderation and nature reflects the Roman ideal of self-control and civic responsibility, rooted in a universal moral law.
In contemporary life, Cicero’s definition remains a profound guide. Virtue is not merely a belief but a consistent way of thinking and acting—informed by reason, tempered by moderation, and aligned with human dignity and purpose. In a world often driven by impulse, excess, or ideology, his words remind us that virtue is formed through discipline and reflection, and that living virtuously is the path to enduring fulfillment and moral freedom.
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