Is A Man Truly Virtuous With Excellence Of Character

Can a man really become virtuous with excellence of character by training himself in virtuous deeds and actions? Can an unvirtuous man become a virtuous man by forming habits and then adjusting for his mistakes by acting more and more virtuous? The answer is yes, both according to Aristotle and by right reason. If a man is truly acting in accordance with reason and directed towards truth, he will then see how his unvirtuous acts affects others and by creating good habits the consequence will result in excellence of character (Aristotle, 21). These virtues can then better direct him towards his end in which he aims. Aristotle is proper in saying this, since those that have strayed from reason and truth will have hope in the ability to transform their lives towards what is beautiful, reasonable and true. Aristotle says that â€Å"we become just by doing things that are just, temperate by doing things that are temperate, and courageous by doing things that are courageous† (A ristotle, 22). Therefore, if an unjust man sees the error in his ways, and is directed toward the beautiful, he can then become virtuous by creating and acting in virtuous habits. Aristotle does state that it is no easy feat for a man that was not trained from childhood to become virtuous, but a child that was habituated from a young age will more easily obtain this goal. (Aristotle, 23). Although, Aristotle does not say that it is impossible to training an older man that has not received training inShow MoreRelatedTrue Happiness Essay924 Words   |  4 Pagesgained via the achievement of full excellence of the soul. Happiness is the greatest of all human good, because, as an end, it is an end unto itself, meaning that humans do not use it as a means to any other end. 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