QuoteProject
The eyes of some persons are large, others small, and others of a moderate size; the last-mentioned are the best. And some eyes are projecting, some deep-set, and some moderate, and those which are deep-set have the most acute vision in all animals; the middle position is a sign of the best disposition.
Aristotle
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Different qualities in people can reflect their character and abilities, with moderation often representing the best traits.

In this quote, Aristotle explores the idea that physical attributes, such as eye size and eye placement, can symbolize deeper qualities of a person’s character and abilities. He suggests that moderation is preferable, as it indicates balance and can lead to superior capabilities, particularly regarding perception and insight. This perspective reflects his broader philosophical views on virtue and the importance of balance in human traits.

Themes

EyesModerationCharacterPerceptionAristotle

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about the relationship between physical traits and personality in a psychology class.

More from Aristotle

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
Those who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
AristotleRead
For often, when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream.
AristotleRead
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
AristotleRead
But if nothing but soul, or in soul mind, is qualified to count, it is impossible for there to be time unless there is soul, but only that of which time is an attribute, i.e. if change can exist without soul.
AristotleRead
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
AristotleRead

Similar quotes

But I cannot forget that, at other times I have been deceived in sleep by similar illusions; and, attentively considering those cases, I perceive so clearly that there exist no certain marks by which the state of waking can ever be distinguished from sleep, that I feel greatly astonished; and in amazement I almost persuade myself that I am now dreaming.
Rene DescartesRead
The believers in miracles accept them (rightly or wrongly) because they have evidence for them. The disbelievers in miracles deny them (rightly or wrongly) because they have a doctrine against them.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
Many biblical verses are like inkblot tests, revealing more about us than about the text in question.
Harold S. KushnerRead
I got tired of doing battle with people thinking I was a little weird because I wasn't in a band making happy, stilted music. The only people who really seem weird to me are people who think they're normal. People who think it's possible to be normal just by doing the same things that most people do. Is there a most people? I don't know. Television makes it seem like there is, but I think that might just be television.
Elliott SmithRead
Re-telling the Christian story is the essence of my vocation. That has been going on since the Evangelists in one form or another.
Anne RiceRead
People who can be very good can be very bad too.
Agatha ChristieRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.