evidence: Posted November 14, 2014 "We are what we repeatedly do. Aristotle believed that many things were needed for optimal moral development, but one of the most important was a role model or exemplar that one can imitate, cultivating morally appropriate habits that become moral virtues over time. For Aristotle, virtues are settled dispositions—states of character—that concern belief, desire, feeling, and action. Virtues are habitual and excellent ways of being and acting in the world. [...] In order to apply this model, we must first identify an area of life where we’d like to see some moral development occur, and then we must take intentional and concrete steps to cultivate that character trait. For example, if I think I lack generosity, then I should plan for and carry out a series of generous actions, perhaps even committing myself to some cause over an extended period of time, giving both of my time and money. If Aristotle is right, as I do this over time generosity will become second nature to me; it will become a habit, and I will become a generous person.