Meaning: Irving Babbitt, an influential literary critic and scholar, is known for his exploration of ethical and cultural issues in his writings. The quote, "According to the new ethics, virtue is not restrictive but expansive, a sentiment and even an intoxication," reflects Babbitt's perspective on the evolving understanding of virtue and ethics in the modern world.

Babbitt was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, and his ideas were shaped by the cultural and intellectual developments of his time. He was a proponent of what is often referred to as the "New Humanism," a movement that sought to revitalize the study of classical literature and philosophy in response to the perceived moral and intellectual decline of modern society.

In this quote, Babbitt challenges the traditional view of virtue as something restrictive or inhibiting. Instead, he suggests that in the new ethical framework, virtue is expansive, suggesting a sense of openness and abundance. This concept of virtue as expansive aligns with Babbitt's broader critique of modernity, in which he sought to counter what he saw as the narrowing of human experience and moral values.

By describing virtue as a "sentiment and even an intoxication," Babbitt introduces a more emotive and subjective dimension to the concept. This characterization of virtue as a sentiment implies that it is rooted in personal feelings and experiences, while the reference to intoxication suggests a sense of euphoria or heightened awareness associated with virtuous behavior. This portrayal of virtue as a deeply felt and exhilarating state stands in contrast to the notion of virtue as a set of rigid, externally imposed rules.

Babbitt's exploration of virtue and ethics reflects his broader concern with the impact of modernity on individual character and societal values. He argued that the emphasis on materialism, utilitarianism, and individualism in modern society had eroded the traditional virtues that were essential for personal fulfillment and social harmony. In response, he advocated for a return to the timeless wisdom of classical thought and literature, which he believed offered a more profound understanding of human nature and moral excellence.

It is worth noting that Babbitt's ideas were not without controversy, and his views on virtue and ethics were subject to criticism and debate. Some scholars and thinkers challenged his idealization of classical values, arguing that it overlooked the diversity and complexity of human experiences and ethical perspectives. Nevertheless, Babbitt's work continues to be studied and discussed for its contributions to the ongoing dialogue about the nature of virtue and the ethical challenges of the modern world.

In conclusion, Irving Babbitt's quote about the new ethics and the expansive nature of virtue encapsulates his belief in the evolving understanding of moral values in the modern age. By presenting virtue as a sentiment and even an intoxication, Babbitt challenges conventional notions of virtue as restrictive and rigid, advocating for a more emotive and expansive conception of ethical excellence. His ideas continue to provoke thought and discussion about the nature of virtue and the ethical challenges of contemporary society.