“The end of medicine is health; of shipbuilding, a vessel; of strategy, victory.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 1 Explanation Aristotle’s formula for virtue development unites two interdependent forces: Real-World Connection ① Olympic Athletes ② Artistic Mastery ③ Tech Innovation The Golden Equation
“The educated man seeks exactness in each subject only so far as its nature permits.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 3 Key Explanation Aristotle’s eudaimonia (flourishing) requires two pillars: Modern Applications ① Corporate Leadership Why This Matters Today
“Goods in themselves are those pursued apart from their consequences, such as wisdom and sight.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 6 Simple Explanation:Aristotle distinguishes intrinsic goods (valued for their own sake) from instrumental goods (valued for outcomes). Wisdom (contemplating truth) and sight (experiencing beauty) are “self-justifying” — like stars shining whether humans gaze or … Read more
“If there were one common idea of good, there would be one science of all goods; but there are many sciences.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 6 Simple Explanation:Aristotle dismantles Plato’s theory of a single “Form of the Good.” He argues that different domains (medicine, architecture, ethics) pursue distinct goods (health, structural integrity, justice) … Read more
“The good is not a common universal idea; for ‘good’ is predicated in all categories.”— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 6 Simple Explanation:Aristotle rejects Plato’s theory of a single “universal Good” (e.g., Justice, Beauty). Instead, goodness varies across contexts — medical “good” is health, military “good” is victory, personal “good” is eudaimonia. Like a … Read more
“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