Final answer:
Jean Bethke Elshtain emphasizes that strong virtues are a result of habit, not nature. Virtues are cultivated through consistent practice and action, forming an individual's moral character over time. Society and personal commitment play crucial roles in virtue development.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Jean Bethke Elshtain's exploration of virtue, one cannot have strong virtues without the presence of habit. Moral virtues do not arise in us naturally, but rather they come about as a result of consistent and habitual practice. Elshtain's perspective aligns with philosophical traditions which assert that virtues are cultivated through action and habituation. These virtues, which include traits such as bravery, integrity, and kindness, must be exercised repeatedly in order to become a part of one's character. A virtuous individual, therefore, is not simply born with these traits but develops them through a commitment to virtuous actions and decisions.
The repeated practice of virtuous actions leads to the formation of moral character, a process that requires dedication over time. Thus, virtues are not innate but are instead the outcome of sustained effort and ethical engagement with the world. This understanding underscores the importance of societal and personal practices in the cultivation of virtue.