“Vicious habits begin with voluntary acts; one becomes unjust by choosing injustice.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 5
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
Big Idea
Character is like a garden 🌱:
- Bad Seeds = Tell “harmless” lies → Weeds of distrust grow.
- Good Soil = Return lost wallet → Flowers of respect bloom.
Real-Life Scenarios
🏢 Workplace Culture
→ Voluntary Act: “Borrow” office supplies → Next year embezzles funds.
→ Just Choice: Report missing printer → Builds audit trust.
🏫 School Group Project
→ Unjust Start: Let others do all work → Becomes chronic slacker.
→ Fair Choice: Divide tasks equally → Learns teamwork muscle.
📱 Online Behavior
→ Toxic Habit: Troll strangers for laughs → Becomes internet bully.
→ Ethical Posting: Delete mean comments → Builds digital integrity.
What You Can Do
- The “Seed Check”
Before acting, ask:- “Will this plant weeds or flowers in my character?”
- Habit Tracker
For 7 days, log choices:
Day 3: Lied about breaking vase → Watered weeds ❌
Day 5: Admitted speeding ticket → Planted flowers ✅ - Accountability Swap
Partner with a friend:
→ Text “Today I chose fairness when I ______”
→ Send 🤝 for good acts / 🚩 for toxic choices