In many philosophical traditions, the cultivation of virtue is considered the highest goal in life.

virtue 来自拉丁语 virtus，原意是"力量、勇气"，后来演变为指"道德上的优秀品质"。在哲学语境中，它特指通过理性实践培养出的道德品质和优秀品格，即"美德"。