120 philosophical essays you must read in your life

Chapter 48

Chapter 3 Section 5 The Dowry of Virtue

[UK] Hume
What a relief it is when one looks within and finds that the most tumultuous passions have become right and harmonious, and that every cacophony has disappeared from the enchanting music!

Where is the reward for virtue?For which we so often pay the price of life and happiness, what does nature offer in return for this great sacrifice?O children of the earth, do you not know the majesty of the Holy Queen?Do you really want a dowry when you behold her charming figure and pure brilliance?

But we must know that nature has always been tolerant and understanding of human weaknesses.She never leaves her favored child for nothing, she offers the richest dowry to virtue, yet she is careful lest the lure of advantage interest those suitors who value the simplicity of beauty so sacred and transcendent Actually indifferent.Nature is wise enough to offer a dowry that is attractive only to those who already love virtue and desire it.Honor is the dowry of virtue, the sweet reward of just toil, the crown of victory upon the thoughtful head of the incorruptible patriot, or the weather-beaten head of the victorious warrior.The virtuous man, guided by such a most sublime reward, despises all temptations of pleasure and all threats of danger.Even death itself lost its horror when he thought that death could only have dominion over a part of him.Whether it be death or time, whether it be the violence of the forces of nature or the vicissitudes of human affairs, he is sure that he will enjoy immortal fame among the people.

There must be a Being who governs the universe, who by infinite wisdom and power brings the discordant elements into just order and proportion.Let speculative minds debate how far this benevolent being extends his concerns, and whether he should let We continue to exist after death.The virtuous man does not need to make any decisions about these ambiguous questions, he is content with the dowry that the Supreme Lord of all things has indicated to him.

He gratefully accepts the further reward that has been set up for him.He does not, however, consider virtue to be a mere name in the face of setbacks.On the contrary, it is virtue that he regards as his reward, and he delights in the magnanimity of the Creator who has given him the opportunity to live, and thus learns a most precious self-control.

【Together with you】

Virtue is the most persistent and supreme pursuit in our life.A person full of virtue can stand upright among all things, compete with the sun and the moon, and live endlessly.Virtuous people possess infinite wisdom and power, can change the original trajectory of the world, and play a positive role in the development of human society.Young people who are self-motivated should regard the pursuit of noble virtues as the goal of life.The highest reward that can be obtained in life is virtue itself!If our words and actions are governed by our reason, then we can avoid the influence of unhealthy reason on our actions.

(End of this chapter)