It is virtuous if you're actually just inclined to that virtue?

[Williamsmith]

I thought about it further. My understanding of virtue is classical. Self control, fairness, good judgement and being able to overcome in the face of challenges. Some of it necessarily is genetic predisposition but most of it I think is learned from mentors and other people modeling. It probably forms the basis of my everyday living. That I have virtues is important to me, where it emminates from is not.

[Rogar]

UL, Have you considered that Pete and Irwin are not really two people, but a metaphor for two characteristics of the same person that struggle with each other. Sort of reminds me of Herman Hesse's Narcissus and Goldmund. I had to do a quick review since it's been years since I've read it.

“We are sun and moon, dear friend; we are sea and land. It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is: each the other's opposite and complement.” (from the book)