Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
Man perfected by society is the best of all animals; he is the most terrible of all when he lives without law, and without justice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Aristotle suggests that humans reach their highest potential through societal structure, but can become destructive without laws and justice.
In this quote, Aristotle reflects on the dual nature of humanity as shaped by society. He posits that while individuals flourish and elevate as beings through the influence of social institutions like law and justice, they also possess the capacity for great destructiveness when left unchecked. This illustrates the importance of ethical frameworks in guiding human behavior and maintaining social order.
Themes
SocietyLawJusticeHuman NatureEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of law in society, you could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of legal structures.
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You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
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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.
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The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
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