The Via Stoica Podcast What Is Virtue? A Stoic Guide to Excellence in Character and Action
Jul 15, 2025
Discover the essence of virtue in Stoic philosophy, where moral excellence is paramount. Explore the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, and learn how they can shape your character and decision-making. Dive into the relationship between emotions and virtue, understanding how self-reflection can enhance personal growth. Embrace the journey towards virtue, recognizing that progress matters more than perfection. This thoughtful dialogue provides practical insights for aligning your actions with your true nature.
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Virtue as Living Excellence
- Virtue means living excellently according to nature by knowing and doing what is truly beneficial.
- People who do wrong act out of ignorance, believing their actions are beneficial.
Virtue as Life's Blueprint
- Virtues act as a blueprint or North Star guiding a smooth, flourishing life.
- Pursuing virtue is the only true good, while external things are preferred indifferences.
Virtue Transcends External Conditions
- Virtue can be practiced anytime, even amid poverty or illness.
- Relying on externals like health or wealth surrenders happiness to fortune's whims.
