Where Does Virtue Come From? (Aquinas 101)

[@ThomisticInstitute]

To watch other episodes with Fr. Cuddy, please check out this playlist! More to come soon! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpWrqaCIn5KYd7s

[@michaelaguilera6908]

You have a Golden Voice! Thank you Father.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Maybe we should ask our other speakers to speak at a lower pitch. . . .

[@fernandolh6538]

@@ThomisticInstitute Absolutely agree!

[@jamesh6650]

Great voice, yes, but it’s the way he articulates his points. Clearly and concisely.

[@CreagerX]

I came to the comments to make a similar remark. I would have said his voice is buttery smooth.

[@johnnyamerica4336]

Fr. Cuddy speaks clear and concise. I have learned a great deal from him. Thank you Father Cuddy.

[@User-esto]

Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about our Lord's and Savior teachings!!!!

[@GilMichelini]

Father, this is the first time I recall seeing you in these videos. Thank you for answering God's call for your life because it is clear He has given you the gift of being a master teacher. You made a common and complex topic easier for us to understand.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Thank you for your feedback! Very glad to hear this was helpful for you.

[@Ora671]

Qué inspirador! La fe, esperanza y caridad son necesarias para todos, incluidos ateos. Le fe nos ayuda a confiar en los demás, la esperanza nos ayuda a seguir adelante y el amor nos ayuda a disfrutar más del camino.

[@familyt1588]

Had to pause the video to comment on just how clear you are. Your tempo, gestures and clear explanation make this so much more easy to follow than any video I have watched of this kind. Fantastic job. Thank you.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@fernandolh6538]

Where does virtue come from? 00:00 We all want good things…. When we encounter something good…: “Where can I get that?” 00:21 VIRTUES ARE GOOD THINGS. A virtuous person possesses an undeniable appeal. […] Unlike food, a car, or a smartphone, the virtues are not external, material things […] Virtues are things that inhere inside of a person. 00:52 In fact, human persons do not have virtues as much as THEY ARE VIRTUOUS. And this is good news. […] everyone has the potential to be truly virtuous and TO ENJOY, THE HAPPY FREEDOM THAT VIRTUE PROVIDES. 01:17 But where do we get virtue? Where does virtue come from? What makes a person virtuous? In this video, we are going to look at THE CAUSES OF THE VIRTUES. 01:29 We recall that the VIRTUES PERFECT THE HUMAN PERSON-making both the person and the person’s actions good. 01:37 A VIRTUE IS A KIND OF HABIT-that is, a stable disposition that profoundly qualifies (deeply characterizes) the human powers of knowing, willing, and feeling. We also recall that there are TWO BROAD CATEGORIES OF VIRTUE: 02:10 There are, first of all, MORAL OR “HUMAN” VIRTUES. These virtues perfect the human powers of knowing, willing, and feeling in a human way and on a human level. The most famous examples of these virtues are the habits of PRUDENCE, JUSTICE, FORTITUDE, and TEMPERANCE. These pivotal (or “cardinal”) virtues perfect the natural powers of knowing, willing, and feeling in a way proportioned to natural human freedom and flourishing. 02:41 The second broad category of virtue is the THEOLOGICAL OR “GOD” VIRTUES. These virtues perfect-and extend-the human powers of knowing and willing BEYOND THE HUMAN PERSON TO GOD HIMSELF. These virtues operate on a supernatural level. There are three theological virtues: FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY. 03:07 Let us now turn to THE CAUSES OF THESE TWO TYPES OF VIRTUES. 03:11 A NATURAL CAUSE OF THE MORAL (OR HUMAN) VIRTUES IS THE PERFORMANCE OF GOOD ACTIONS. […] The man who acts justly with regularity eventually acquires the habit of justice in his will. Why? Because through deliberate and repeated acts of justice he becomes accustomed-he becomes, habituated-to the form of justice. His will itself takes on the “just shape” of his just actions. […] And because his actions are just, he becomes a just person. 04:23 Similarly, the man who acts temperately-the man who allows reason to guide his enjoyment of physical pleasures like food and drink-eventually becomes a temperate man. He is a man whose desires take on the virtuous shape-the liberating habit-of temperance. 04:43 Through deliberate and repeated acts of eating well and in healthy proportions (pursuing the good and virtuous mean between excess [too much] and defect [too little]), the man becomes a temperate man. 04:58 In summary, THE NATURAL CAUSE OF MORAL VIRTUE IS THE PERFORMANCE OF GOOD ACTIONS. […] The more good that we do, the more virtuous we become. And the more virtuous we become, the more promptly, joyfully, and easily do we perform good actions. We become what we do. 05:23 There is another type of virtue that NO HUMAN ACTION CAN INSTILL IN THE SOUL OF THE PERSON. And these are THE INFUSED VIRTUES-the virtues that direct and unite us to God. 05:37 GOD IS THE PRINCIPAL CAUSE OF THE INFUSED VIRTUES. […]. In the case of infused virtues, however, the order is reversed. 05:54 God first imparts-he first infuses-supernatural virtues into the soul and then the person is able to act according to these theological virtues. 06:05 Why do we need infused supernatural virtues? The moral virtues are good insofar as they perfect human nature on a natural level. 06:16 In contrast, THE INFUSED VIRTUES ARE SUPERNATURALLY “GOOD”-they are good with a goodness beyond the proportion of human goodness. God is the measure of supernatural goodness. And because the intimate life of God is beyond the natural reach of the human powers of knowing and willing, only God can cause the theological virtues in the powers of the human soul. 06:43 Take the infused (theological) virtue of faith, for example. No repeated acts of rigorous “thought” or even sympathetic “judgment” can engender or cause the supernatural virtue of faith in the human intellect. Rather, God first imparts the theological virtue of faith in the soul, and it is by this supernatural habit that we are enabled to make acts of faith. The theological virtue of faith unites the human intellect to God. Through faith we believe that what God reveals is true because it is God who reveals it. Our mind must first be raised to God in order for us to believe something because of God. […] 07:38 In sum, the virtues perfect the human person-making both the person and the person’s actions good. But there are two kinds of goodness. 07:48 There is natural (moral) goodness and there is supernatural (theological) goodness. 07:54 WE CAN ACQUIRE THE MORAL VIRTUES THROUGH REPEATED GOOD ACTIONS. In this way, good actions are the cause of moral virtue in the human powers of knowing, willing, and feeling. 08:08 With regard to supernatural goodness-the goodness of God-however, no human action can produce theologically proportioned virtues. ONLY GOD CAN CAUSE-ONLY GOD INFUSES-“HIS” VIRTUES: FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY. 08:27 Therefore, repeated and deliberate good actions can cause moral virtue. But only God can cause the infused virtues in the soul of the human person. 08:41 For readings, podcasts and more videos like this, go to Aquinas101.com. While you're there, be sure to sign up for one of our free video courses on Aquinas. And don't forget to like and share with your friends because it matters what you think.

[@paolo4118]

Extremely clear, in content and in delivery, Thank you, Fr. Cajetan Cuddy!

[@iqgustavo]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🤔 Virtues are internal qualities, not external possessions. 01:05 🧠 Virtues are stable habits that shape human powers of knowing, willing, and feeling. 02:28 ⚖️ There are moral virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance) and theological virtues (faith, hope, charity). 03:25 🔄 Moral virtues are acquired through repeated good actions, shaping one's character. 05:12 🙏 Infused virtues are God-given, beyond human abilities, including faith, hope, and charity. 07:26 🌟 Infused faith unites the human intellect to God's revelations. 08:24 🙌 Moral virtues are caused by good actions, while infused virtues are caused by God's grace. Made with HARPA AI

[@daily180]

A delight to hear and learn, Fr. Cuddy! Thank you!

[@byron8657]

Thank you Father you have explain the Virtues very simple and clear easily understood by all Ages young n old like me 57 years old before I conceived the meaning of Virtue as a profound abstract broad! Now I understand it! It is a habit or predisposition of a person with three components of Knowing, Willing, and Feeling! K More of this kind of videos! More Power Godbless!

[@mkznan5963]

Thank you for the video. For some reason, I started reading Summa Theologica, and I needed a guide on how to read it, which led me to watch this video. I was born Catholic, so you could say my knowledge of the religion was passed down to me without questioning. I’ve decided to embark on a new journey to understand God, the teachings, and everything else through my own research. I want to seek answers for myself.

[@saragarddiner9244]

Yes, I really enjoy the talks. Thank you Father. x

[@jakec947]

Excellent video. Thank you, Father Cuddy.

[@kristindreko1998]

Thank you Aquinas 101, may God bless you!

[@richard4oyeleke]

I love your voice Father...I would listen to a podcast from you all day..... Thank you for putting us on the track to becoming virtuous beings

[@blinndorsey210]

Wonderful summary of Aquinas' view on virtues...My questions are: 1. Where does the desire to perform moral acts come from? In other words, what makes one want to be just, temperate, prudent and brave? 2. If one is not graced with God given faith, hope or charity, what hope is there that one can develop the supernatural virtues? 3. Is there a connection between the two? Look forward to learning more. Peace and thanks,

[@advinoworld]

Dear Father You are a born speaker ❤ please continue the good ministry! People need a voice like you 🎉❤

[@dynamic9016]

Insightful.

[@Teal_Moon]

This is amazing. Thank you for the teaching. Very well done. God bless

[@fedesetrtatio1]

Thank you Father. What an angelic presentation.

[@HumanbeingonfloatingEarth]

This is so practical and good. 💗

[@tesswilms254]

great wisdom, Praise the Lord!

[@GenXer82]

Thank you Father. Well explained!

[@ThomisticInstitute]

You are very welcome

[@antoniomoyal]

Brilliant as always

[@ThomisticInstitute]

We're so glad the video was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. May the Lord bless you!

[@ZakGraves]

These are really helpful while I’m reading through the Summa. And your voice is fantastic 😄👌

[@ThomisticInstitute]

We're so glad to hear! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. May the Lord bless you!

[@elizabethchryst3297]

I love the graphics! Well done on all levels

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Glad you like them!

[@catherinewalter6960]

Thank you for the succinct explanation. Please do more video explanations for Aquinas 101.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

We're working on it right now! It takes a lot of work (and it's expensive) to make these, but we really want to keep them coming and plan to do so, God willing!

[@gregoryonyirioha3873]

I really love this channel

[@trainedmoose]

A great, clear explanation. I could have listened to this being fleshed out even more. Thanks!

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stardustmkm7377]

Pray that Fr. Cuddy does more videos!

[@SeanimusPrime-no5kq]

Grace builds on nature. - St. Thomas Aquinas

[@noemiangeles481]

Thank you Father

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Our pleasure!

[@cheekjulie]

Clear and concise explanation

[@ma.teresitavillar3010]

Very beautiful and comprehensive lesson on virtues. Thank you very much, Fr. Cajetan, op.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Say a prayer for us!

[@letdaseinlive]

A memorably clear lesson!

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Thank you!

[@peaceturtleinfinity]

Thanks for your videos. You have a kind way about you.

[@maryjohnstone4777]

Thank you Fr.beautifully told and explained; made easy to understand on the one hand the moral virtues n then the Theological virtues which only God can infuse our Souls is Faith hope n charity.

[@Jessegvega]

thank you Father !

[@thomasjust2663]

Gave me food for thought, thank you for your video

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Thanks to you!

[@AluminiumT6]

Thank you for making this video!

[@medicalmindset]

If theological virtue are imparted by God first, are those outside the faith yet to be pursued by God or are they yet to respond?

[@jacinatasaldanha9156]

Good teaching

[@DsaAsd-v9u]

God bless you

[@paulcollins6732]

Yes, thank you, Father!

[@ThomisticInstitute]

It's our pleasure. Glad it's helpful.

[@irodjetson]

what an amazing voice

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Fr. Cuddy does have a golden deep voice, doesn't he?

[@irodjetson]

@@ThomisticInstitute Totally 🙏🏻

[@maryjohnstone4777]

Beautifully n clearly explained re; the moral virtues we acquire by good habits n the Theological virtues given us by God,i e Faith ,hope n charity,well that's to remind myself ?

[@byron8657]

Mens Sano in Corpore Sana! A healthy mind in a healthy body! St Thomas Aquainas

[@adriadua5019]

Blessed you are Father🤍

[@markmenotti203]

Another superb teaching on Aquinas. Thank you, Father Cuddy and thank you, TI!

[@ericmpm7]

Was this presentation supernaturally good or just naturally good?

[@josephxavier8636]

Was more supernatural than natural, perfect!

[@ThomisticInstitute]

A profound question, even if perhaps proffered tongue-in-cheek! Since Father Cuddy speaks of supernatural matters (theological virtues), it is certainly materially supernatural. And if he delivered it with charity-which we sure hope he did-then it was also formally supernatural, since its ultimate object would be beatific friendship with God.

[@byron8657]

This is why the Summa Theologica of St Thomas Aquainas is so important in the Renaissance Period in Europe then is because he explained very well and reconciles the two types of virtues the Natural Virtues like Justice Prudence Temperance and Fortitude which the Greek Philosophers like Aristotle Plato n Socrates truly liked and explained and also studied and adopt by the Roman Stoic Philosopher Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Seneca 160-180 AD Marcus Aurelius is included in the five last Good Emperor of Rome. And then came St Thomas Aquainas came in the middle of 12th century and wrote the Summa Theologica and explained that there are two types of Virtue the Natural Human Virtues inside of Man and The Supernatural Virtues of Faith Hope and Charity infused by God cause by Him given Gratiuosly through His Loving Grace! Thanks Father! More of this Kind simple to understand and enlightening videos! Godbless and Godspeed!

[@elianep5732]

Thank you for the clear presentation, Father! Question: Does God give the supernatural virtue of faith to everyone equally?

[@ThomisticInstitute]

This is a great question. The answer is no, God does not give faith to everyone equally. But this requires a few important distinctions. Faith has three aspects: the things believed (the matter of faith, i.e. the doctrines), the one who is believed (the form of faith, i.e. God, who is First Truth revealing), and the one unto whom we unite in believing (the final end of faith, i.e. God in whom we unite by faith). Everyone who has faith shares equally in the form of faith, i.e. they equally believe that God is the one who is believed. Without this trust in God as the one revealing, faith ceases to be faith. On the other hand, some people know more doctrines than others (e.g. priests, theologians, those who have studied the faith on their own, etc.), and thus they exceed others in the matter of faith, since they know more explicitly the things which are to be believed. Finally, some people also unite more deeply unto God in their act of faith, both in believing God more intensely and in tending unto him more promptly. For example, when someone believes with remarkable promptness a doctrine of the faith which she previously did not know, she exhibits a strength in the supernatural virtue of faith, for she believed firmly and promptly in its truth. Aquinas engages this very question in ST II-II, q. 5, a. 4. See here: aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/st-iiaiiae-q-5#SSQ5A4THEP1. We conclude by remembering that the theological virtue of faith, as with all of the theological virtues, is a completely gratuitous gift of God. Why he allots what he does and to whom he does is a profound mystery known only to God himself and to those who gaze upon his face in beatific joy. As St. Paul writes, "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen" (Rom 11:33-36). In the end, our ultimate posture before the divine majesty is one of total gratitude. Thank you for your question, and God bless you!

[@TeaHeart22]

Thank you for this question and the wonderful answer here! Such a God- send ❤️

[@sweettoothmarie7304]

Thnk you Fr 🙏

[@ThomisticInstitute]

You're welcome

[@maryjohnstone4777]

Such a beautiful , informative video ,thanks! 'the more good actions ' the more moral we become! I pray God infuses me with those supernatural graces ? I'd like to watch this video again soon?.

[@primaveralily3453]

Simply excellent. Thank you, Father, and may we strive to become virtuous, with God's grace👍

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Amen!

[@philliprobinson7724]

Hi. How can "truthfulness" be omitted from the major virtues when "dishonesty" is the major sin of holding "truth" captive and impotent? Nihil utile quod non honestum. Cheers, P.R.

[@brucehafemeister5663]

Outstanding Five Star *****

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Thank you! We're trying hard!

[@byron8657]

Virtues comes from Integrity. Integrity simply means doing the right things even when nobody sees it! From the movie Robinhood An Exerpt I qoute Nobility is not a birthright it is defined by one’s actions! K

[@no_more_anymore]

This guy RELLY does have a great voice lol.

[@maryjohnstone4777]

A lovely video,yet again,thanks ; clearly detailed n worth knowing!

[@maryjohnstone4777]

A lovely video to watch,very informative n helpful, especially the part on Theological virtues of Faith,hope n charity! All well explained.

[@sethapex9670]

Can the 3 theological virtues be associated to a particular person of the Holy Trinity? Such that Charity is associate to the Father, Hope associated to the Son, and Faith to the Holy Spirit? This is not to say that these virtues are unique to each person, but that they represent each person in a particular way. The Father's love produces the other two persons as well as all creation and is thus defined by charity, which is the same as love in the original greek, agape. The Son, as the long awaited Messiah, is defined by Hope. And the Holy Spirit which enables our Faith is thus represented by it.

[@MrBernardhard]

I believe you answered your own question.

[@sethapex9670]

@@MrBernardhard I think it's valid, I just want someone with theological training to confirm it. I also think you might be able to associate each of the virtues with one of the 7 sacraments. Baptism with Fortitude, Confirmation with Prudence, Penance with Temperance, Eucharist with Justice, Marriage with Charity, Holy Orders with Faith, and Extreme Unction with Hope.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

This is an excellent question! St. Thomas actually has a beautiful discussion of it, though it is not very well known. (If you want to learn more, you can read about it in Chapters 1 and 2 of Fr. Dominic Legge's book, The Trinitarian Christology of St. Thomas Aquinas.) In short, all 3 divine persons are the joint single efficient cause of the theological virtues, but the virtue of charity makes its recipient to be like the Holy Spirit (who proceeds from the Father and the Son as Love), and the virtue of faith makes its recipient to be like the Son (who proceeds from the Father by way of intellect, as his Word). For Fr. Dominic's book, see here: www.amazon.com/Trinitarian-Christology-St-Thomas-Aquinas/dp/0198829094

[@apeture_explorer4810]

How does this relate to the verses where God speaks of there not being any good but God, and also there not being any who does good. Or the verses that speak about how none can please God outside of faith?

[@kylepfeifer6576]

It's good to put a voice and face to the editor of the Thomist Tradition series. Thanks, Father!

[@ThomisticInstitute]

Thank you for your interest and support!

[@begrackled]

"Virtue", originally, simply means strength. Palhares has amazing strengths, and can inspire many people with his technical ability, but would we call him good? Would we call him virtuous? An ethics can be built out of capabilities, but I don't believe understanding of "should" can be derived from "can". I would place that on the shelf next to the Hume books.

[@Dandymancan]

hello, so are you saying that the theological virtues are infused because of Grace? I come from a Calvinist-Baptist background and I am wondering are you saying that the theological virtues are only 'infused' in a person because God has favor with that person.

[@raygabrellecoronadotoledo3215]

What about intellectual virtues?

[@MsPinson]

Is the implication here that the division between infused and acquired virtue is on the same lines as the division between human (including moral) and theological virtues, or did I misunderstand that? Because Thomas is quite hot on infused moral virtue, but that seems to be ignored here. Maybe I'm not listening to it right.

[@ThomisticInstitute]

You're right! This video doesn't go carefully into these distinctions, but Aquinas does think that the moral virtues can be EITHER acquired OR infused directly by God. That is, it is possible for God to infuse, by a supernatural gift, the virtue of prudence. Now, there's a debate among students of Aquinas about these infused moral virtues, and whether the infused version of prudence is just like the acquired virtue of prudence or not -- and it takes some serious attention to Aquinas's texts to work out what he means. In contrast, the theological virtues can ONLY be infused. They can never be acquired by repeated human action or by human effort. Later Thomists will use a further set of labels to explain this. A virtue that you could have acquired by repeated action, but that in this case you received by divine infusion, is called "supernatural in mode" or "modally supernatural" insofar as it is something that operates on the natural plane but it just so happens that you got it by a supernatural infusion. In contrast to this, they will call the theological virtues "supernatural in substance" or "substantially supernatural" because these virtues elevate your nature to participate in a higher (divine) nature -- something that you never could have done without supernatural grace. On this view, then, the moral virtues are always proportioned to our nature, even though they might happen in some cases to be infused by God. They can be supernatural in mode or in the way they come about, but they're always substantially natural. The theological virtues, however, are not proportioned to our nature, and so they are not just supernatural in how they come about or in mode, but they are supernatural in the very essence of the virtue itself.

[@MsPinson]

Thanks for the clarification. Very thorough and helpful. I pray for you in this valuable ministry. I know how hard it is to communicate the truth in brief, simple, terms!

[@DistributistHound]

While hearing the explanation of infused virtues a doubt crossed my mind, I couldn't help but think on the hypothetical case of atheists, thinking that they haven't recived the virtue of faith however I find that naturally we belive in certain things to be, even if we cannot perceive them directly; in fact part of the scientific method relies on believing certain things to be true or false before proving the point with experimentation. Is this belif different from the virtue of faith? or that is also the virtue of faith which is infused on every human even in those who say aren't able to believe in God, thou they believe in science or philosophy?

[@aaronargottelopez3488]

❤

[@avemaria7698]

If the virtue of humility is not there in a person's life then no virtues will be there in his life. What does it mean? And Are there in the of a person who has no humility. the infused virtues and moral? virtues

[@kiwihans100]

Aqquinas was a religious Philosopher strongly influenced by Aristotle & other Hellenistic greek thinkers! Paul warned that Christians should NOT be influenced by philosophy Col 2:8

[@platodave4002]

Let's brawl with the errors

[@Zwei4815]

"Take a man who interacts with others." *shows a scene of two women*

[@reasontemple]

If God infuses the supernatural virtues, why do some get it and others not?

[@albertbenedictsolimanosa5552]

_Dang,_ that voice isn't just good and deep. If I'm not careful, it can make me fall asleep 🤭

[@ThomisticInstitute]

That's not what we're going for. . . .

[@albertbenedictsolimanosa5552]

Indeed...

[@Ricordovi]

So evil people have evil souls ?

[@shajojojojo]

The masculine pronoun created cognitive dissonance. I get “Mankind” as referring to all people. But saying “He did this... or that” and then having a picture of a woman.... guts the pronoun. I believe this lacks clarity.

[@liammccann8763]

Your statement is not in keeping with the Catholic faith. The Father 'generates' life, the woman 'receives' life; it really is that simple. The first action is always that of the masculine, this is the order of the natural and the order of the supernatural. Ne timeas.

[@shajojojojo]

@@liammccann8763 Yes... actually to my point... when discussed it takes the current cultural value of the elimination of genders... which can't be good as it is not True...What I'm referring to is in the video the, most capable and insightful Priest, although a bit slow spoken for my paltry attention span, says repeatedly "He" when on the video a longhaired, curvy shortish, aquiline...person is featured... I guess that all, including me, see the character as a woman, I would indeed say that the character is a woman.. "Man" can refer to all people but I would say "He" is specific to men. I imagine it was done soas not to offend etiquette by limiting the concept to only men, but the effect is sloppy. Thanks for the comment because then I can clarify, hopefully, my objection.

[@liammccann8763]

@@shajojojojo My, me. So because this piece has an illustration of a female, you believe it's sloppy. The Dominican Order is known for it's robust approach to wisdom, knowledge and understanding; some may have matched their intellectual rigour, none have surpassed them. Nar laga Dia thu.

[@shajojojojo]

@@liammccann8763 Thats not a real argument. You really just attacked me without providing... an argument... would you care to address my original statement? So the O. Praem is great and I am not so... I must not have a point? Anybody want to jump in here?

[@GilMichelini]

It would have helped if the images would have been a male rather than a female.

[@philotheasbliss]

It comes from God, not Aquinas

[@richard4oyeleke]

I love your voice Father...I would listen to a podcast from you all day..... Thank you for putting us on the track to becoming virtuous beings