Built for Vitue
What I find as one of the most hopeful teachings of Stoicism is that every human being possesses the natural capacity for virtue.
We are born with the ability to recognize concepts such as justice, courage, wisdom, and self-control. These ethical notions are not reserved for philosophers or the exceptionally gifted. They belong to all rational human beings. Yet virtue does not appear fully formed.
The Stoics understood that moral excellence is the result of development. Just as an acorn must grow into an oak, a human being must cultivate reason, character, and judgment through practice and experience. No one becomes wise overnight.
The path of virtue is a lifelong process of learning, correcting errors, refining judgments, and striving to live in greater agreement with Nature. Even those who make great progress remain students of philosophy.
The important thing is not perfection. The important thing is growth.
Every day offers another opportunity to move a little closer to wisdom, justice, courage, and self-discipline—the qualities that constitute a flourishing human life.
— The Stoic Elder