Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote:“The voluntary act is originated by the doer with knowledge of the circumstances.”​

“The voluntary act is originated by the doer with knowledge of the circumstances.”​
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 1
(Translated by W.D. Ross)

The Big Idea

True responsibility requires knowing what you’re doing – like playing a video game with the rules turned ON. Accidentally pressing buttons ≠ playing; ​knowing the stakes makes your choices matter.

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Real-Life Scenarios

🔥 ​Test-Time Truth
Voluntary = You cheat knowing it’s wrong → Full blame.
Involuntary = You use a banned calculator by accident → Partial pardon.

🤝 ​Sports Team Choices
Voluntary = You skip practice knowing it hurts the team → Captain consequences.
Involuntary = You miss the bus unexpectedly → Coach understands.

📱 ​Social Media Rules
Voluntary = Post cringe content after reading guidelines → Account suspension.
Involuntary = Share a meme not knowing it’s offensive → Warning first.

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Try This Week

1. ​The “Did I Know?” Checklist
   • Before acting, ask:
     “Do I understand the ​rules? ✅
     Am I aware of ​consequences? ✅”
2. ​Choice Journal
   Track 3 decisions where you knew the facts:
   • Example: “Chose pizza over salad → Knew it was junk food 🍕”
3. ​Peer Quiz
   Ask friends: “If someone breaks a rule by accident, should they get the same punishment as someone who did it on purpose?”