Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote:“The beginning of vice lies in ourselves; like a stone’s throw, the act is voluntary.”​

“The beginning of vice lies in ourselves; like a stone’s throw, the act is voluntary.”​
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 5
(Translated by W.D. Ross)

Big Idea

Bad habits start like skipping stones 🌊:

• First Toss = Tell “harmless” lie → Ripples of distrust spread.
• Skip 10x = Lie becomes routine → Relationships sink like stones.

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​Real-Life Scenarios

🏢 Office Supplies

→ Voluntary Start: Take pens home → Next year embezzles funds.
→ Accountable Choice: Label communal items → Builds trust capital.

🏫 Group Project

→ First Cheat: Copy homework → Ends up buying term papers.
→ Ethical Start: Ask for help → Develops real skills.

📱 Social Media

→ First Troll: Post mean meme → Becomes cyberbully.
→ Mindful Post: Share uplifting story → Gains positive followers.

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​What You Can Do

1. ​The “Splash Test”
   Before acting, ask:
   • “Will this choice create ​ripples I want in my life pond?”
2. ​Stone Tracker
   For 5 days, note:
   Day 1: Gossiped about coworker (threw stone) 💢
   Day 3: Complimented stranger (skipped joy) 🌟
3. ​Accountability Buddy
   Weekly text exchange:
   → “My best ‘stone’ this week was ______”
   → “My most regrettable ‘throw’ was ______”