Dialogues of Love

... [in]tent contemplation original: tenta contemplatione. Likely the end of the word intenta (focused or intense), referring to the deep state of study or meditation valued by ancient philosophers., in which they saw that riches were a great impediment, because they occupy the mind and divert it from its own speculative work and from contemplation, in which its perfection and happiness consist.

But the Peripatetics Followers of Aristotle’s philosophy. They were called "Peripatetics" (from the Greek for "walking about") because Aristotle reportedly taught while walking in the Lyceum in Athens. hold that one must procure riches, as they are necessary for a virtuous life; and they say that although riches are not virtue itself, they are at least the instrument of it. For one could not practice liberality original: liberalita. The virtue of giving freely and generously., nor magnificence, nor alms, nor other pious works, without necessary and sufficient goods.

SO. Is not the good disposition of a ready soul enough for such virtuous works—being prepared to perform them if one had the means? And thus, could a man not be virtuous without riches?

PHI. Such a disposition is not enough without the works themselves, because virtues are a habit original: habito. Following Aristotelian ethics, a virtue is not just a one-time feeling but a "habit" or stable disposition of character formed through repeated action. of doing well, which are acquired by persevering in good works. And since it is the case that such works cannot be done without material goods, it follows that without them, such virtues cannot be possessed.

SO. And why did the Stoics A school of philosophy that taught that virtue is the only true good and is sufficient for happiness, regardless of one's external circumstances or wealth. not recognize this? And how can the Peripatetics deny that riches divert the soul from happy contemplation?

PHI. The Stoics concede that certain domestic and civic original: urbana. Referring to virtues practiced within the context of a city or society. virtues cannot be acquired without goods, but do not be deceived into thinking that happiness consists in those things. Rather, it consists in the intellectual and contemplative life, for which one ought to leave behind riches, and even the virtues that proceed from them, to see that they do not turn into vices, but into other more excellent virtues closer to ultimate happiness. Nor [is] this...