Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
Neither by nature, then, nor contrary to nature do the virtues arise in us; rather we are adapted by nature to receive them, and are made perfect by habit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Virtues are not innate nor imposed from outside; they develop through our natural capacity and habitual practice.
In this quote, Aristotle emphasizes that virtues are not inherent traits nor artificially instilled in us; instead, they emerge from our natural predisposition and are refined through consistent practice and habit. This understanding asserts that while we may have the potential to embody virtues, it is our daily actions and habits that shape and perfect these qualities over time.
Themes
VirtueNatureHabitPracticeCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development, one might state: 'Remember, virtues are cultivated through your daily habits, as Aristotle taught us.'
More from Aristotle
All quotes βThose who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
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For often, when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream.
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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.
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.
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The American culture ideal of the "self-made-man," of everyone "standing on his own feet" seemed as tragic a picture as the initiative-destroying dependence on a benevolent despot. He felt and perceived clearly that we all need continuous help from each other, and that this type of interdependence is the greatest challenge to maturity of individual and group functioning.
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He wishes he had never entered the funhouse. But he has. Then he wishes he were dead. But he's not. Therefore he will construct funhouses for others and be their secret operator -- though he would rather be among the lovers for whom funhouses are designed.
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