Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat, Of habits devil, is angel yet in this, That to the use of actions fair and good He likewise gives a frock or livery That aptly is put on. Refrain tonight, And that shall lend a kind of easiness To the next abstinence; the next more easy; For use almost can change the stamp of nature.
In this quote from Hamlet, the speaker suggests that one can cultivate virtue by simply adopting the behaviors associated with it, even if they don't genuinely possess those qualities. This idea highlights the power of habit and custom, which can influence one's nature and actions. The notion is that by practicing good deeds and refraining from immoral actions, individuals can gradually change their character and become more virtuous over time.
Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the importance of restraint, asserting that refraining from negative actions can make future abstinence easier. The concept of habituation suggests that consistent good behavior can alter one's innate tendencies, allowing individuals to redefine themselves. It underlines the idea that even those who struggle with vice can find strength in establishing positive habits, eventually transforming their lives for the better.
