"Virtue is its own reward, and brings with it the truest and highest pleasure; but if we cultivate it only for pleasure's sake, we are selfish, not religious, and will never gain the pleasure, because we can never have the virtue"
- John Henry Newman
About this Quote
John Henry Newman's quote, "Virtue is its own benefit, and brings with it the truest and highest enjoyment; however if we cultivate it only for satisfaction's sake, we are selfish, not religious, and will never get the enjoyment, because we can never ever have the virtue," offers an extensive meditation on the nature of virtue, pleasure, and motivation.
At its core, Newman recommends that true virtue is inherently rewarding. It does not need external acknowledgment or gratification to be valuable. The "truest and highest pleasure" emerges naturally from living virtuously, indicating that ethical integrity and ethical conduct line up with a much deeper sense of complete satisfaction and satisfaction. This enjoyment is genuine and unadulterated by ulterior intentions.
Nevertheless, Newman concerns a cautionary note about the dangers of instrumentalizing virtue. When people pursue virtue mostly for the sake of satisfaction, instead of for the fundamental great that virtuous habits represents, they undermine the credibility of their actions. Newman argues that such a pursuit exposes selfishness rather than a genuine commitment to virtuous conduct. It reflects a transactional mindset, where virtue is seen merely as a method to an end-- completion being personal complete satisfaction or pleasure.
According to Newman, this method is basically flawed. Cultivating virtue for selfish reasons jeopardizes the essence of true virtue. If the motivation is impure, the intended outcome-- genuine pleasure-- stays evasive. Newman indicates that real virtue is inseparable from sincerity; it can not be attained through self-indulgent objectives.
Ultimately, the quote speaks to the significance of aligning one's actions with intrinsic values instead of external rewards. It highlights the difference between being spiritual, which indicates a dedication to transcendent concepts and values, and simple selfishness. Newman's insight acts as a tip that authentic virtue includes altruism and a genuine commitment to moral principles, leading naturally to extensive and lasting fulfillment.
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