A central idea in his philosophy is that virtues are developed through habit. We are not born virtuous; instead, we become virtuous by repeatedly choosing good actions. Over time, these actions shape our character.

Aristotle also emphasised the importance of the golden mean—the idea that virtue lies between two extremes: too much and too little. However, finding this balance requires judgment and experience, something he called practical wisdom (phronesis).

Example:

Consider dealing with conflict. Avoiding it completely may show a lack of courage, while reacting aggressively may show too much anger. 

A virtuous response would involve calmly expressing your thoughts and listening to others, showing both courage and self-control.

Let’s reflect…

• Do you think being a good person is more about what you do or who you become? Explain your answer.
• Can different people disagree about what the “right balance” is in a situation? What does that mean for Aristotle’s theory?

For Aristotle, habits reduce the need for constant decision-making. When good habits are formed, acting in a thoughtful and balanced way becomes more natural. This is why he emphasised the importance of early practice and consistency. Small, repeated actions gradually build a foundation for long-term growth.

At the same time, this idea highlights a challenge: negative habits can form in the same way. This means that becoming a better person requires awareness, effort, and sometimes change.

Consider this

Think about how you manage your time. If you regularly procrastinate, it can become a habit that affects both your performance and your stress levels. However, by gradually building routines—such as planning your tasks or starting your work earlier—you can replace that habit with more productive behaviours. Over time, these new habits can change how you approach your responsibilities.

Have you ever thought about how your habits shape your identity?

Why can it be difficult to change a habit once it is formed?