How did Protagoras connect virtue with success in daily life?

For Protagoras and the Sophists, the concept of virtue—or arete—was fundamentally linked to success in daily life and the ability to effectively manage one's affairs. Rather than viewing virtue as an innate quality or a matter of noble birth, Protagoras maintained that it was a skill that could be taught through known and controllable procedures.1

By offering instruction in arete, the Sophists promised to provide young men with the qualities necessary to achieve personal success and gain influence within their communities and governments. This approach rejected the idea that virtue was a product of chance, instead positioning it as a result of high-caliber intellectual training. Consequently, for Protagoras, virtue was not merely an abstract moral state but a practical competence that enabled individuals to navigate the complexities of society, order their affairs, and flourish in their daily lives. This belief in the teachability of virtue became a cornerstone of the humanist tradition, emphasizing that education could produce tangible success for both individuals and the state.123