GoKawiilImage: Line engraving by P. Fidanza after Raphael Sanzio.
Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers of ancient Greece, laid foundational ideas in ethics, logic, politics, and natural sciences that continue to shape our understanding of the world today. A student of Plato and tutor to Alexander the Great, Aristotle established his own school, the Lyceum, where he explored diverse topics, from biology to metaphysics. His work continues to be a source of timeless wisdom, especially in the realms of virtue, knowledge, and happiness.
In this post, we’ve compiled 25 of Aristotle’s most profound quotes, each accompanied by insights to help understand his teachings. These quotes, primarily from his works Nicomachean Ethics and Metaphysics, reveal his approach to living a fulfilled and virtuous life.
1. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
This statement emphasises the role of habits in shaping character, suggesting that consistent virtuous actions lead to excellence, making it a part of one’s nature. Delve into Aristotle’s exploration of ethics in Nicomachean Ethics, where he elaborates on virtues, moral character, and the pursuit of a flourishing life.
2. “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”
Aristotle believed happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved through a life of virtuous actions and self-improvement, emphasising personal responsibility in attaining happiness. Learn more about Aristotle’s view of happiness as a life-long pursuit in Nicomachean Ethics.
3. “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
For Aristotle, true education nurtures both intellectual and moral virtues, shaping not just one’s intellect but character. Aristotle explores this balance in Politics and Nicomachean Ethics.
4. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
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