Virtue is its Own Reward – Meaning & Usage Examples

Let’s explore the saying ‘virtue is its own reward’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘virtue is its own reward’ suggests that acting in a morally upright or virtuous manner brings its own intrinsic benefits and satisfaction, regardless of external recognition or rewards. It implies that the inherent goodness of virtuous behavior is its own justification and source of fulfillment. The phrase encourages individuals to prioritize moral integrity and ethical conduct for the sake of personal growth and well-being, rather than seeking external validation or material gain.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the phrase ‘virtue is its own reward’ can be traced back to ancient philosophical and religious teachings that emphasized the importance of moral character and ethical behavior. The idea that virtuous actions bring inner peace, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment has been a recurring theme in various cultural and religious traditions throughout history. The phrase itself likely became popularized in English during the Renaissance period, reflecting the enduring belief in the inherent value of moral goodness.

10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations

1. Despite facing criticism and adversity, she remained true to her principles, knowing that virtue is its own reward.

2. He chose to return the lost wallet to its owner without expecting a reward, believing that virtue is its own reward.

3. Even in the face of temptation, she resisted wrongdoing, guided by the belief that virtue is its own reward.

4. He dedicated himself to serving others selflessly, understanding that virtue is its own reward.

5. Despite the lack of recognition or praise, she continued to act with kindness and compassion, knowing that virtue is its own reward.

6. He remained humble and honest in all his dealings, recognizing that virtue is its own reward.

7. Even when faced with challenges and setbacks, she persevered in doing what was right, believing that virtue is its own reward.

8. He found joy and fulfillment in living a life of integrity and moral excellence, understanding that virtue is its own reward.

9. Despite the allure of shortcuts and dishonesty, she remained steadfast in her commitment to honesty and integrity, knowing that virtue is its own reward.

10. He chose the path of honor and righteousness, knowing that virtue is its own reward, regardless of external circumstances.

5 Quotes Featuring the Idiom

1. “In a world obsessed with external rewards, remember that virtue is its own reward, bringing inner peace and contentment.” – Unknown

2. “The true measure of a person’s character lies in their commitment to virtue, knowing that it is its own reward.” – Unknown

3. “In the pursuit of success and achievement, do not forget that virtue is its own reward, bringing fulfillment and inner satisfaction.” – Unknown

4. “When faced with temptation and adversity, remember that virtue is its own reward, bringing strength and resilience to withstand life’s challenges.” – Unknown

5. “In a world where success is often measured by external achievements, remember that virtue is its own reward, bringing peace and fulfillment to the soul.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter V

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter V. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘V’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the V-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter V.

Related Idioms:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *