Western Philosophy

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “To say that the supreme good is happiness is a truism; what is wanted is to explain what constitutes happiness.”​

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“To say that the supreme good is happiness is a truism; what is wanted is to explain what constitutes happiness.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 4 Simple Explanation:Aristotle rejects vague notions of happiness. True ​supreme good (eudaimonia) isn’t fleeting joy or luck, but ​lifelong excellence achieved through ​virtuous activity (courage, wisdom) and ​rational purpose … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The many do not give the same account of the good as the wise.”​

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“The many do not give the same account of the good as the wise.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 4 Simple Explanation:Aristotle contrasts how ​ordinary people (the many) and ​philosophers (the wise) define “the good.” While the many chase transient ​pleasure, ​wealth, or ​fame, the wise pursue ​virtuous habits and ​rational purpose — the … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is the highest of all realizable goods.”​

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is the highest of all realizable goods.”​

“Happiness is the highest of all realizable goods.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 4 Simple Explanation:Aristotle defines ​happiness (eudaimonia) as the ultimate ​realizable good — the final aim that gives value to all other achievements (wealth, health, honor). Unlike fleeting pleasures, it requires ​lifetime cultivation of virtue, reason, and meaningful relationships. Real-World Connection:① ​Pursuing … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The good of man must be the end of the science of Politics.”​

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The good of man must be the end of the science of Politics.”​

“The good of man must be the end of the science of Politics.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 2 Simple Explanation:Aristotle declares that ​politics — the “master-science” — exists solely to achieve ​human flourishing (eudaimonia). Unlike economics (which manages resources) or military strategy (which seeks victory), politics must unify all sciences and arts toward … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Politics appears to be the science which best deserves the name of master-science.”​

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“Politics appears to be the science which best deserves the name of master-science.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 2 Simple Explanation:Aristotle elevates ​politics as the “master-science” because it governs ​all other sciences (economics, education, ethics) toward society’s highest good. Just as architecture directs masonry and engineering, politics harmonizes specialized fields for the ​common welfare. … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The end of the master-art is always more desired than the ends of the subordinate arts.”

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The end of the master-art is always more desired than the ends of the subordinate arts.”

“The end of the master-art is always more desired than the ends of the subordinate arts.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 1 Simple Explanation:Aristotle compares life’s goals to ​arts (skills/pursuits). ​Subordinate arts (e.g., cooking, carpentry) serve immediate needs, but the ​master-art (living virtuously) is the ultimate aim that gives all other goals meaning. Real-World … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.”​

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.”​

“One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7 Simple Explanation:Aristotle warns against mistaking temporary joys for true ​happiness (eudaimonia). Just as ​a single swallow’s arrival doesn’t confirm spring’s … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The function of man is an activity of soul which follows or implies a rational principle.”​

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The function of man is an activity of soul which follows or implies a rational principle.”​

“The function of man is an activity of soul which follows or implies a rational principle.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7 Simple Explanation:Aristotle argues that humans fulfill their unique purpose (function of man) through ​rational actions guided by the soul. Unlike plants (which grow) or animals (which sense), our highest ​activity of soul … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is something final and self-sufficient, and is the end of action.”

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “Happiness is something final and self-sufficient, and is the end of action.”

“Happiness is something final and self-sufficient, and is the end of action.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 7 Simple Explanation:Aristotle defines happiness (eudaimonia) as the ultimate goal that gives meaning to all other pursuits. Unlike temporary pleasures (e.g., eating dessert) or practical goals (e.g., earning money), happiness is “final” (nothing beyond it is needed) … Read more

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim.”​

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Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote: “The good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim.”​

“The good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim.”​— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 1 Simple Explanation:Aristotle argues that every human action — whether small daily tasks or lifelong ambitions — is ultimately driven by a pursuit of some “good.” Even ordinary choices (like grocery shopping or studying late) … Read more