The Influence of Habit on Moral Virtue and Habit

The Unseen Architect: How Habit Forges Moral Virtue

Summary: Our moral character, far from being an innate, static quality, is largely a product of our repeated actions—our habits. As explored by the great philosophers in the Great Books of the Western World, particularly Aristotle, the consistent practice of certain behaviors shapes us, guiding us toward either virtue or vice. This article delves into how habit acts as the foundational sculptor of our ethical selves, influenced profoundly by education, custom and convention, and the conscious choices we make daily.

The Daily Rituals That Define Us

Every morning, we rise. We follow routines, often without conscious thought. These small, seemingly insignificant acts—how we greet others, how we respond to minor frustrations, how we engage with our work—are the threads from which the tapestry of our character is woven. For centuries, philosophers have understood that these repeated actions, these habits, are not just mechanical behaviors but profound determinants of our moral fiber.

The ancient Greeks, in particular, recognized the immense power of habituation. They understood that merely knowing what is good is insufficient; one must practice goodness until it becomes a part of who they are. This profound insight, foundational to Western ethical thought, underscores that moral excellence is not a gift but an achievement, cultivated through diligent practice.

Aristotle's Enduring Insight: Virtue as a Second Nature

Perhaps no philosopher articulated the influence of habit on virtue more profoundly than Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics, a cornerstone text within the Great Books of the Western World. For Aristotle, moral virtue is not instilled by nature, nor is it contrary to nature. Instead, we are by nature able to receive them, and are made perfect by habit.

He distinguishes between intellectual virtues, which are gained through teaching, and moral virtues, which are formed through habituation. We become just by performing just acts, courageous by performing courageous acts, and temperate by performing temperate acts. This process is not about rote imitation but about internalizing principles through consistent practice until they become a hexis, a settled state of character or disposition.

Natural Capacities: We are born with the capacity for reason, emotion, and action.
Moral Virtues: These are acquired excellences, developed through repeated choices and actions.
Habituation: The process by which repeated actions become ingrained, forming our character.

Aristotle stresses that the quality of these initial actions matters immensely. Performing just acts begrudgingly does not lead to true justice; one must learn to take pleasure in just actions for the virtue to be truly formed.

The Dual Path: From Habit to Virtue or Vice

The power of habit is a double-edged sword. Just as good habits lead to virtue, poor habits pave the way for vice. Every choice we make, every action we take, reinforces a particular pathway in our character.

Pathway of Habituation	Description	Outcome
Virtuous Habits	Consistently choosing actions aligned with moral excellence (e.g., honesty, generosity, courage).	Development of Virtue (e.g., becoming a just person, a temperate person, a courageous person).
Vicious Habits	Consistently choosing actions that deviate from moral excellence (e.g., deceit, selfishness, cowardice).	Development of Vice (e.g., becoming a dishonest person, an intemperate person, a cowardly person).

A person who repeatedly tells small lies finds it easier to tell bigger ones. A person who habitually avoids difficult situations finds their capacity for courage diminishing. The cumulative effect of these choices solidifies their character, making the virtuous path harder to discern or pursue.

The Role of Education in Shaping Moral Habits

Given the profound impact of habit, the importance of education in forming virtuous character becomes clear. Plato, another titan of the Great Books, emphasized the necessity of early training in shaping the souls of citizens. He believed that children should be exposed to stories, music, and physical activities that instill a love for beauty, order, and courage.

Moral education, therefore, is not merely about transmitting rules or doctrines. It is fundamentally about guiding individuals to practice virtuous actions from a young age, to develop the right kinds of habits. This involves:

Guidance and Instruction: Helping individuals understand what constitutes good action.
Repetition and Practice: Providing opportunities to consistently perform good actions.
Correction and Feedback: Helping individuals adjust their behavior when they err.
Role Models: Presenting examples of virtuous individuals to emulate.

Without proper education and guidance, individuals may inadvertently cultivate vices, believing their ill-formed habits to be acceptable or even beneficial.

(Image: A classical Greek sculpture depicting a young student being guided by an elder philosopher, both looking intently at a scroll. The scene is set in a serene garden with olive trees, symbolizing wisdom and peace.)

Custom and Convention: Society's Hand in Habit Formation

Beyond individual education, the broader societal context—its customs and conventions—plays a critical role in shaping collective and individual habits. Laws, social norms, cultural traditions, and even everyday courtesies all subtly (and sometimes overtly) dictate acceptable behavior.

Reinforcement: Customs can reinforce virtuous habits (e.g., traditions of hospitality, civic duty).
Discouragement: They can also discourage vices (e.g., laws against theft, social stigma against dishonesty).
Perpetuation: Conventions can perpetuate habits, good or bad, across generations, making them seem natural or inevitable.

A society that values honesty in its transactions, kindness in its interactions, and diligence in its work will, through its customs, foster these habits in its citizens. Conversely, a society tolerant of deceit or laziness will see these traits become more prevalent. The challenge lies in recognizing when customs themselves are flawed and require examination and reform, for ingrained societal habits can be remarkably difficult to change.

Cultivating Moral Excellence: A Continuous Act

Understanding the influence of habit empowers us. It means that our moral character is not fixed but is continually being sculpted by our choices. To cultivate moral excellence, we must:

Be Mindful of Our Actions: Pay attention to the small, daily choices that accumulate.
Practice Intentionally: Consciously choose to perform virtuous acts, even when difficult.
Seek Good Company: Surround ourselves with individuals who embody the virtues we wish to cultivate.
Reflect and Correct: Regularly assess our habits and make adjustments where necessary.
Persevere: Recognize that habit formation is a long-term process requiring patience and persistence.

Conclusion: The Architecture of Our Soul

From the ancient wisdom preserved in the Great Books of the Western World, the message is clear: habit is the architect of our moral soul. It is through repeated actions, guided by education and shaped by custom and convention, that we forge our character, moving toward either virtue or vice. Our moral journey is not a destination but a continuous act of becoming, a testament to the profound power of our daily choices.

YouTube Video Suggestions:

📹 Related Video: ARISTOTLE ON: The Nicomachean Ethics

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: "Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics habit virtue explained"

📹 Related Video: PLATO ON: The Allegory of the Cave