# Part VI: Of the Character of Virtue explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments

> Chapter companion for The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

## What happens

Smith introduces the examination of individual character under two aspects: its effect on the individual's own happiness and its effect on the happiness of others, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of virtue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue as Propriety and Self-Command

The chapter frames virtue in terms of its impact on personal happiness and social harmony, aligning with the concept of propriety.

### Self-Love and the Social Order

The dual focus on self-regarding and other-regarding aspects of character reflects the balance between self-love and social order.

## Key lines

> When we consider the character of any individual, we naturally view it under two different aspects; first, as it may affect his own happiness; and secondly, as it may affect that of other people.

When examining someone's character, we look at how it influences their own well-being and how it influences the well-being of others.

_This introduces the dual perspective for analyzing virtue._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/part-vi-of-the-character-of-virtue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters