A virtue is a disposition, it is a propensity to act in a way that is good. It in a mind set that responds in a way that right, just, and loving.
The Aim
All dispositions are developed through two factors. The first is the aim or goal. That is, if you’re developing wisdom, the aim is to see clearly the true nature of reality. That’s the aim.
The Habits
The second part of developing a disposition, is the habit. It’s not enough to aim for a particular disposition, we must also develop the habits that support that aim.
If our aim is to develop wisdom, then we must practice deep thinking, reflection, and good reason. We must also practice looking at things from different perspectives. We must have deep knowledge of the subject we’re thinking about. So there’s a learning involved as well.
Plant and Cultivate
So it is through a proper aim and appropriate habits that we develop virtue
So think of a virtue you want to develop, think about the aim of the virtue. And then think about the habits that support that disposition. It’s the aim that plant the seed in the heart, is the habits that cultivate it.
Spiritual Disciplines
This is called spiritual formation. This is why the spiritual disciplines are so important. They are what makes the seed grow and survive the storms of life. We must make the aim to live the virtue, but we have to use the spiritual disciplines to develop the habits that support that virtue.