Virtue

Virtue is 

a moral, intellectual, or social trait of excellence, character, and high moral standards, often defined as the habit of doing what is right. It acts as a positive, consistent disposition—such as courage, honesty, or compassion—that drives ethical behavior and benefits both the individual and their community. 

Key aspects of virtue include:

• Moral Excellence: It represents the practice of righteousness and the avoidance of vice.
• Habitual Action: Virtues are cultivated traits that enable individuals to act rightly, even when it is difficult.
• Character Foundation: Rather than just a single act, it is a stable disposition or quality of character.
• Ethical Framework: In philosophy, it is often seen as the "good of humanity" or the "highest good," as Aristotle suggested.
• Cardinal Virtues: Classically, these include wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.
• Beneficial Quality: Informally, it can refer to any advantageous merit, such as the benefits of a specific action. 

Virtue can be understood as the active choice to pursue good, forming the basis of a moral life.