Top 50 Aristotle Quotes from Nicomachean Ethics Book II (With Free Images!): Virtue, Happiness & the Good Life Explained for Teens

Top 50 Aristotle Quotes from Nicomachean Ethics Book II (With Free Images!): Virtue, Happiness & the Good Life Explained for Teens

Have you ever wondered how to become a better person—or what it even means to live a ​”good life”? Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greek philosopher ​Aristotle asked these same questions, and his answers still inspire us today. In his famous book ​Nicomachean Ethics, ​Aristotle explains that ​virtues like courage, honesty, and kindness aren’t … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is activity in accordance with virtue, and this activity is its own reward.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is activity in accordance with virtue, and this activity is its own reward.”​

“Happiness is activity in accordance with virtue, and this activity is its own reward.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7 Real-World Connection ① ​Social Entrepreneurship ② ​Athlete’s Ethical Triumph ③ ​Creative Integrity ​The Golden Equation

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The happy man is one whose activities accord with complete virtue, supplied with external goods for a complete life.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The happy man is one whose activities accord with complete virtue, supplied with external goods for a complete life.”​

“The happy man is one whose activities accord with complete virtue, supplied with external goods for a complete life.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 10 Explanation:Aristotle’s formula for happiness (eudaimonia) unites two dimensions: Real-World Connection:① ​Teacher’s Legacy →You ​mentor underprivileged students (virtuous action) → secure grants for scholarships (external support) → witness graduates lead … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: The good man’s life is pleasant in itself, for pleasure is a natural accompaniment of noble acts.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: The good man’s life is pleasant in itself, for pleasure is a natural accompaniment of noble acts.”​

The good man’s life is pleasant in itself, for pleasure is a natural accompaniment of noble acts.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 8 Explanation:Aristotle revolutionizes pleasure’s definition — not hedonistic indulgence, but the ​organic delight flowing from virtuous behavior. Like photosynthesis converting sunlight into plant energy, ​noble acts (courage, generosity, honesty) transmute effort into … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The life of contemplation is higher than the political life, for it is more self-sufficient.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The life of contemplation is higher than the political life, for it is more self-sufficient.”​

“The life of contemplation is higher than the political life, for it is more self-sufficient.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 5 Explanation:Aristotle ranks ​contemplation (θεωρία/theoria) as humanity’s highest pursuit because: Real-World Connection:① ​Modern Philosopher’s Choice →A tenured professor ​declines cabinet position → continues researching cosmic ethics (contemplative focus) → publishes theory reshaping AI morality … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “To be happy, a man must both act excellently and be furnished with external goods.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “To be happy, a man must both act excellently and be furnished with external goods.”​

“To be happy, a man must both act excellently and be furnished with external goods.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 8 Explanation:Aristotle asserts that ​holistic happiness (eudaimonia) demands two interdependent pillars: Real-World Connection:① ​Social Entrepreneurship →You ​launch a fair-trade business (excellent action) → secure impact investment (external capital) → lift 500 artisans from poverty … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is a thing reverenced and perfect; it is the starting-point and cause of all good.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is a thing reverenced and perfect; it is the starting-point and cause of all good.”​

“Happiness is a thing reverenced and perfect; it is the starting-point and cause of all good.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 12 Explanation:Aristotle elevates eudaimonia (true happiness) as the ​ethical sun — a sacred, self-sufficient force that illuminates and nourishes all other virtues. Just as sunlight enables ecosystems to thrive, happiness radiates ​moral energy … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The happy man cannot become miserable, though he may not reach supreme blessedness if he meets with Priam’s fate.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The happy man cannot become miserable, though he may not reach supreme blessedness if he meets with Priam’s fate.”​

“The happy man cannot become miserable, though he may not reach supreme blessedness if he meets with Priam’s fate.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 10 Explanation:Aristotle distinguishes between ​core happiness (eudaimonia) and ​peak blessedness. While a virtuous person’s fundamental joy remains unbroken by adversity (like Priam’s Trojan War losses), catastrophic suffering may limit access … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is a permanent condition; for the happy man will always or at least most frequently act and contemplate virtuously.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is a permanent condition; for the happy man will always or at least most frequently act and contemplate virtuously.”​

“Happiness is a permanent condition; for the happy man will always or at least most frequently act and contemplate virtuously.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 10 Explanation:Aristotle posits that true happiness (eudaimonia) is not a fleeting emotion, but a ​stable state of being forged through ​habitual virtue. Like a river’s persistent flow shaping a … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “No one calls a man happy who meets with misfortunes like Priam’s.”​

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “No one calls a man happy who meets with misfortunes like Priam’s.”​

“No one calls a man happy who meets with misfortunes like Priam’s.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 9 Simple Explanation:Aristotle argues that extreme adversity (like Priam’s loss of kingdom and children in the Trojan War) can eclipse ​lifelong happiness — even for the virtuous. True eudaimonia requires both ​resilient virtue and ​external stability, akin … Read more