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Virtue as vocation: called to a good life Virtue as vocation: called to a good life
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Aristotle on happiness and virtue Aristotle on happiness and virtue
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Implications for vocational exploration Implications for vocational exploration
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The shape of a magnanimous life The shape of a magnanimous life
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Threats to the magnanimous life Threats to the magnanimous life
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Falling into a smallness of soul Falling into a smallness of soul
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Falling into a lethargy of soul Falling into a lethargy of soul
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Virtues and practices to sustain a magnanimous life Virtues and practices to sustain a magnanimous life
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“A future that is difficult, but possible, to attain” “A future that is difficult, but possible, to attain”
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“Good people help keep each other good” “Good people help keep each other good”
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An itinerary of hope An itinerary of hope
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8 An Itinerary of Hope: Called to a Magnanimous Way of Life
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Published:September 2015
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Abstract
This chapter introduces the language of virtue and illustrates its importance for vocation through a paradigmatic example. Beginning with Aristotle’s account (including the relationship of virtue to “happiness” and the good life), the chapter traces the historical sojourn of the virtues, understood as “the habits we need to live well.” Vocation is related to habit, insofar as living into one’s callings depends on one’s ability to cultivate habits of mind, body, and spirit that particular vocations require. The chapter explores the archetypical virtue of magnanimity (“greatness of soul”), adding conversations with Thomas Aquinas and with Julia Annas to reflect on aspiration, modeling, mentoring, and community. It also considers the bad habits (vices) of pusillanimity and acedia, which can threaten the life of virtue and, concurrently, our capacities for vocational discernment. It concludes with a discussion of the importance of friendship and hope for both virtue and vocation.
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