Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist born in the city of Stagira, Chalkidice, on the northern periphery of Classical Greece. His father, Nicomachus, died when Aristotle was a child, whereafter Proxenus of Atarneus became his guardian. At eighteen, he joined Plato's Academy in Athens and remained there until the age of thirty-seven. His writings cover many subjects – including physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theater, music, rhetoric, linguistics, politics and government – and constitute the first comprehensive system...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
In everything, it is no easy task to find the middle.
We deliberate not about ends, but about means.
Human beings are curious by nature.
They who are to be judges must also be performers.
Whether we call it sacrifice, or poetry, or adventure, it is always the same voice that calls.
People of superior refinement and of active disposition identify happiness with honour; for this is roughly speaking, the end of political life.
The intention makes the crime.
One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one fine day.
It is clear that there is some difference between ends: some ends are energeia [energy], while others are products which are additional to the energeia.
They - Young People have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things - and that means having exalted notions. They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning - all their mistakes are in the direction of doing things excessively and vehemently. They overdo everything - they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else.
Our characters are the result of our conduct.
One who faces and who fears the right things and from the right motive, in the right way and at the right time, posseses character worthy of our trust and admiration.
To enjoy the things we ought and to hate the things we ought has the greatest bearing on excellence of character.
This body is not a home, but an inn; and that only for a short time. Seneca Friendship is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.