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A state is not a mere society, having a common place, established for the prevention of mutual crime and for the sake of exchange. Political society exists for the sake of noble actions, and not mere companionship.
Aristotle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that a political state is meant for achieving noble actions rather than just preventing crime or facilitating trade.

In this quote, Aristotle articulates the purpose of a political state, highlighting that its existence transcends the mere functionality of society as a space for reducing crime and engaging in economic exchange. Instead, he argues that the essence of political society lies in its ability to promote virtuous actions and the common good, suggesting that genuine harmony and progress within a community are rooted in the pursuit of ethical and noble ideals.

Themes

Political SocietyNoble ActionsCommon GoodVirtueAristotle

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on political philosophy, this quote could be used to underline the importance of ethics in governance.

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