Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
We must no more ask whether the soul and body are one than ask whether the wax and the figure impressed on it are one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote illustrates the intrinsic connection between the soul and the body, comparing them to wax and a figure molded into it.
Aristotle's quote suggests that the relationship between the soul and the body is fundamental and inseparable, similar to how a wax figure cannot exist without the wax itself. The metaphor emphasizes the idea that just as wax cannot be considered apart from the shape it takes, the soul cannot be entirely understood without the body, highlighting the importance of both in the essence of being.
Themes
SoulBodyPhilosophyAristotleUnity
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussion about the nature of existence, this quote can be used to explain the relationship between the mind and body.
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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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