Final answer:
The difference between choosing vocations and being called to them, according to Veith, suggests that choice is an individual's decision, while a calling implies a duty or mission bestowed by a higher power. The Puritans, for instance, believed in a dual calling to serve God and community, regardless of job type, whereas Aristotle associated moral virtues with practice and habit in relation to one's work.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Veith, the distinction between choosing our vocations and being called to them lies in the nature of our response to our work and the perception of its origin. When we choose our vocations, we make a decision based on our desires, skills, and societal influences. However, being called to a vocation suggests a divine or higher purpose, where one's work is seen as a duty or mission decided by a greater power.
In historical contexts such as with the Puritans, a calling was not only a personal duty to earn a living but also a religious responsibility to live life in accordance with God's will. The Puritans believed that each person's vocation was a way to serve both God and community, making no distinction in the spiritual importance between different types of work, whether it be a layman or a priest.
The concept of calling also extended into the moral development of an individual, as is evident from the teachings of Aristotle, who stated that virtues are developed through habits and exercise of moral actions. Thus, the significance of a calling is more profound than just career choice; it is closely linked to one's character and ethical life.