Aristotle: '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.'

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.

Aristotle, one of history's greatest philosophers, once said, "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." At first glance, this quote may seem obvious or simple, but upon closer examination, it holds profound wisdom about the nature of virtue and personal growth. Its straightforward meaning highlights the significance of habitual actions in shaping our character. However, to further explore the depth of this concept, let us introduce the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical movement popularized in the 20th century, brings an interesting twist to Aristotle's ideas on moral excellence through habit. It emphasizes the individual's responsibility in creating their own meaning and values in life. While Aristotle's perspective suggests that moral excellence can be attained through the repetition of virtuous acts, existentialism challenges this notion by arguing that moral values are subjective and self-constructed.In contrast to Aristotle's belief that moral virtue is attained through habit, existentialism proposes that individuals must confront the inherent meaninglessness and absurdity of existence. According to existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre, moral values are not universal or fixed, but rather are subjective choices made by individuals in the face of their own freedom. In this view, moral excellence cannot be achieved simply through the repetition of specific actions but requires a deeper exploration of one's values and personal authenticity.However, despite the apparent contradiction between Aristotle's emphasis on habit and existentialism's focus on individual choice, there lies a fascinating intersection between the two. Both Aristotle and existentialists recognize the importance of actions in shaping character, albeit with differing perspectives on their ultimate significance.Aristotle's philosophy encourages individuals to cultivate virtuous habits as a means to internalize morality. By repeatedly acting justly, temperately, or bravely, one gradually becomes inclined towards these virtues, making them an integral part of their character and identity. For Aristotle, morality is an objective truth that is discovered through experience and reflected in one's actions.On the other hand, existentialism encourages individuals to embrace the responsibility that comes with self-awareness and personal freedom. By actively choosing their values and actions, individuals shape their moral compass and create their own subjective meaning. In this way, existentialism recognizes the transformative power of action, albeit with a focus on individual agency rather than the cultivation of habitual virtues.Through a closer examination of Aristotle's quote and the introduction of existentialist ideas, we find not a contradiction but a complementary relationship between the two perspectives. Habitual actions form the foundation upon which individual existential choices are built.By habitually engaging in just, temperate, and brave acts, individuals create a framework for their subjective moral choices. Habit fosters the development of virtues, which in turn provide the necessary foundation for existential exploration and the conscious construction of personal values.In conclusion, Aristotle's quote reminds us of the crucial role habit plays in shaping our character, as moral excellence is achieved through the consistent practice of virtuous acts. However, by introducing the unexpected philosophical concept of existentialism, we discover a fascinating intersection where habit and individual choice converge. Habitual actions form the basis for individual morality, creating the necessary foundation for authentic existential exploration and the conscious construction of personal values. By understanding and embracing both perspectives, we can cultivate moral excellence while embracing our responsibility to create our own subjective meaning in life.