Virtue.
The universe is excellent. You can be as well.
The universe is perfect, and its excellence is innate. On the other hand, human nature is flawed, and we must strive for excellence. But how can we achieve this excellence?
Common opinion.
Tranquility can’t be grasped except by those who have reached an unwavering and firm power of judgment — the rest constantly fall and rise in their decisions, wavering in a state of alternately rejecting and accepting things. What is the cause of this back and forth? It’s because nothing is clear and they rely on the most uncertain guide : common opinion.
Different attitudes to virtue.
Those who have had to struggle and work hard to overcome the meanness of their own nature are more deserving of praise than those who have never had any trouble with themselves.
