Now, dear reader, we turn our gaze toward the Structural Virtues Theory (SVT), the framework through which we must dissect this myth and why it is so nasty. According to SVT, Reason comprises three aspects of Honesty, Analysis, and Perseverance through four moments: Awareness (reflect), Propriety (response), Morality (right), Spirit (divine Love; ‘experienced’ most through “culture” [community/language/religion/connected humanity]). These generate twelve virtues, with Reason itself as the thirteenth skill in combination of the twelve.

Let us recall the hierarchy of these virtues: Magnanimity begins the journey, followed by Honesty, Temperance, Honour, Loyalty, Excellence, Patience, Conservation, Prudence, Ethics, Justice, Courage, Willpower, and finally the culmination of all: Life driven by Love realised through Reason. It is a symphony of growth, a dance of becoming. And yet, this myth of immutable selfness stands in direct opposition to it, forestalling all in its grips.

For if we are to be as we are born, then what becomes of Magnanimity? This is neither honest nor aware. That virtue, which requires us to remember who we are and comprehend basic human fragility, is rendered useless. If we cannot grow, then why bother with the virtues at all? Why pursue Honour, which demands that we value ourselves not by any innateness but through acts of nobility, and the nobility of ancestors, when we have no need to act? Why strive for Temperance, which tempers honour’s pride by turning it back in on order itself, if we are already doomed to be proud ab initio? How does this connect at all if we believe flaws to be sacred?

And what of Loyalty? That virtue which requires us to see honour in others as align with our own values? If we are immutable, then loyalty is a futile endeavour. We might as well throw our hands up and say, “Why bother?” What use is it to be loyal if there is nothing worth being loyal to?

So this is the real crux of the matter: this myth of immutable selfness does not merely hinder virtue; it destroys it and grinds it into the ground. In Structural Virtues Theory, imperfections are not ends, but means. They are the specific ways in which we fail to live up to ideals. They are the veritable hurdles which become the way. So plainly these failures are not to be gloried in, but overcome.

So let us ask: What becomes of a person who believes their imperfections are good? They become a prisoner of their own delusion. They stop trying to improve, stop striving for the virtues, and instead wallow in the comfort of mediocrity. This is no small thing: this is the death of the self through obsession in imperfect selfness, and so much more.