“Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle emphasizes that moral excellence is not innate or acquired through intellectual understanding alone, but is achieved through the consistent practice of virtuous actions. He argues that by repeatedly performing actions aligned with specific virtues, such as justice, temperance, or bravery, individuals gradually develop these virtues within themselves. Moral character is built through habit, and it is only by actively engaging in the right behaviors over time that we truly become virtuous. For example, a person becomes just not by simply understanding justice, but by consistently acting justly in their everyday life.
This insight is still highly relevant today, especially in the context of personal growth and self-improvement. In modern psychology, the concept of habit formation is central to building lasting behavior changes. For instance, someone aiming to improve their physical fitness or mental well-being does so not by sporadic efforts, but through daily or consistent actions that gradually shape their habits. Similarly, virtues like honesty, patience, or empathy are cultivated by choosing them repeatedly in real-life situations.
For example, a person who wants to be more brave will practice facing fears or challenges, starting with small steps, and over time will develop greater courage. Similarly, someone wishing to be more temperate might practice moderation in habits such as eating, drinking, or spending. Aristotle’s idea serves as a reminder that virtue is not just a matter of knowing what is right, but a result of repeated, intentional action. It teaches us that excellence in character is achieved through continuous, conscious practice and reflection on our choices.
