A Means to More
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Sometimes we might think virtues are an end in themselves. That the goal is just to be patient, or humble, or kind.
And maybe that’s partly true. But I’d wager it’s a case of the famous Catholic “both and.”
Virtues are both ends and means.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting more on what they’re a means to.
Take patience, for example. I don’t think the end goal is just to be patient. There’s more to it.
Patience puts us in a position to do more. To love more. To reflect Christ more clearly.
St. Augustine, talking about patience, puts it in good terms for us: “We should prize this serenity of soul because it allows us to obtain greater goods.”
What he’s getting at is that patience affords us the opportunity to show greater love.
It’s not just the end. We’re looking toward a greater good.
When we’re patient with our kids, we create space for them to learn without shame.
When we’re patient with our spouse, we choose love over being right.
When we’re patient with ourselves, we allow grace to do its work instead of demanding instant transformation.
Many virtues put us in this position—they’re not trophies to display but tools that unlock something greater.
The question isn’t just “Am I growing in patience?”
It’s “What is my patience making possible?”