Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
The purpose of the present study is not as it is in other inquiries, the attainment of knowledge, we are not conducting this inquiry in order to know what virtue is, but in order to become good, else there would be no advantage in studying it. For that reason, it becomes necessary to examine the problem of our actions and to ask how they are to be performed. For as we have said, the actions determine what kind of characteristics are developed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The aim of studying virtue is to become virtuous, not just to acquire knowledge about it.
This quote by Aristotle emphasizes that the ultimate goal of studying moral philosophy and virtue is not merely intellectual understanding but rather the practical application that leads to moral development. He argues that our actions shape our character, and therefore, understanding how to perform good actions is essential to becoming a better person.
Themes
VirtueActionCharacterMoralKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on ethics, one might use this quote to provoke discussion about the difference between knowing what is right and actually doing it.
More from Aristotle
All quotes →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
There is the strange power we have of changing facts by the force of the imagination.
Virginia WoolfRead
Now, legal plunder can be committed in an infinite number of ways. Thus we have an infinite number of plans for organizing it: tariffs, protection, benefits, subsidies, encouragements, progressive taxation, public schools, guaranteed jobs, guaranteed profits, minimum wages, a right to relief, a right to the tools of labor, free credit, and so on, and so on.
Frederic BastiatRead
The Creator, in taking infinite pains to shroud with mystery His presence in every atom of creation, could have had but one motive - a sensitive desire that men seek Him only through free will.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
The ability to stand by one's principles, to live with integrity and faith according to one's belief-that is what matters, that is the difference between a contribution and a commitment. That devotion to true principle in our individual lives, in our homes and families, and in all places that we meet and influence other people-that devotion is what God is ultimately requesting of us.
Howard W. HunterRead
Done to death by slanderous tongue
William ShakespeareRead
Thrillers are like life, more like life than you are.
Graham GreeneRead