Virtues: a scent of joy

fr. Antonio Ramina

“Everything to its season.” So the saying goes. To say that while some things may be good at certain times, others may be out of place. Can this also be said for the words we use? Are there good words for some times, but that seem inappropriate in others? In other words: can words go out of fashion too? Judging by the word “virtue” I think you should say yes. The use of the expression “virtue” may in fact appear typical of a language of other times. If we talk about “virtue” today, perhaps we will arouse some ironic smiles in those who listen to us. On the one hand it is understandable, because sometimes the word “virtue” corresponds to forced and artificial attitudes. That is, those who are virtuous risk being seen as people who, by putting their efforts into action, manage to dress up in ceremonial behaviour. But the search for virtue could also be mocked because, probably, today we are more inclined to value what is spontaneous, immediate.

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