"I beg my Children to be just and virtuous, never to disgrace my name or theirs, and then they are out of fortune's power"

This quote by Thomas Willis reflects an extensive expression of parental suggestions, highlighting the critical value of character and integrity over product wealth or external scenarios. Willis urges his kids to be "just and virtuous", highlighting that ethical uprightness and ethical behavior need to be their guiding principles. This interest virtue suggests that he sees these qualities as intrinsic values that specify one's identity and legacy.

By prompting them "never ever to disgrace my name or theirs", Willis highlights not only the value of maintaining household honor but also the duty everyone has in maintaining their individual reputation. In essence, he is advising his kids that their actions reflect not only on themselves but also on their household, emphasizing a sense of communal identity and shared worths.

The concluding part of the quote, "and then they run out fortune's power", is especially informative. Here, Willis presumes that by sticking to justice and virtue, his kids can go beyond the whims and unpredictabilities of fate. This suggests that he views external situations-- wealth, success, or societal status-- as secondary to intrinsic moral worths. In a world that is frequently unpredictable and beyond one's control, preserving integrity functions as a trustworthy anchor.

In essence, Willis is imparting a classic lesson: the true step of an individual depends on their character, not their product possessions or external successes. By holding unfaltering to principles of justice and virtue, his kids can accomplish a deeper, more long-lasting kind of security and fulfillment that is not susceptible to the capricious nature of fortune. This quote, therefore, serves not only as paternal counsel but also as a broader philosophical reflection on the essence of a meaningful life.