You might as well look at gravitation and conclude that virtue consists of proximity to large massive objects.
But of course it does! It’s not by accident that expressions “head in the clouds” or “flighty” signal disapproval, while “has his feet firmly planted on the ground” is praise :-D
Ah, but it is good to be light-hearted, light as a feather, floating on air, on cloud nine, to have a light touch, make light work or to tread lightly, whereas it is bad to be ponderous, heavy-footed, weighed down, find things heavy going, throw your weight around, make heavy weather, or to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
There is a great deal of linguistic tension between whether “heavy” or “light” is good, one that exists in many different languages. See also the lengthy discussion on “heavy” versus “light” at the start of The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
But of course it does! It’s not by accident that expressions “head in the clouds” or “flighty” signal disapproval, while “has his feet firmly planted on the ground” is praise :-D
Indeed, “gravity” means serious thought or speech, as opposed to “levity”. Weightiness is also good.
Ah, but it is good to be light-hearted, light as a feather, floating on air, on cloud nine, to have a light touch, make light work or to tread lightly, whereas it is bad to be ponderous, heavy-footed, weighed down, find things heavy going, throw your weight around, make heavy weather, or to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
There is a great deal of linguistic tension between whether “heavy” or “light” is good, one that exists in many different languages. See also the lengthy discussion on “heavy” versus “light” at the start of The Unbearable Lightness of Being.