Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that those who find joy in solitude are either immensely powerful or fundamentally isolated.
Aristotle's quote reflects the dual nature of solitude, implying that finding delight in being alone can indicate an extraordinary state of being, akin to divinity, or a primitive existence, similar to a wild beast. Solitude can be a sanctuary for deep reflection and personal growth, but it can also lead to alienation if one becomes disconnected from society. The essence of this statement invites us to contemplate our relationship with solitude and the extremes it can represent.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of introspection during a personal development seminar.
More from Aristotle
All quotes βThose who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
For often, when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream.
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
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.
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
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The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.
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