Is there virtue without temptation? This is one of my father's favorite questions to ask. If a man is tempted to do something, but he restrains himself, can he be considered virtuous compaired to the man who was not tempted and therefore did not act? If one is not tempted to do something, can one be commended for not doing it? The answer is surprisingly simple, in my boyfriend's opinion. One cannot be virtuous without knowledge. By knowing a deed is wrong, one is virtuous for not doing it. But doesn't the temptation spoil it? By wanting to do a wrong thing, can one be called virtuous even if one does not do it? But at the same time, by not being tempted in the first place, it is no great accomplishment to avoid doing what is wrong. As you can see, I'll be stuck in this circle of thought forever. Sigh.