5 Brilliant Quotes from Aristotle
Today we are going to get to know some great quotes of Aristotle. Undoubtedly, he was, and is, one of the most important philosophers in the history of human civilization. It is certainly worthwhile to spend some time now enjoying some of his nuggets of wisdom and his way of seeing the world.
How could a civilization from 3000 years ago spawn some of the most brilliant minds in human history? We’re talking about Aristotle of course, but also about his teacher and his predecessor, Plato and Socrates, who left their mark in society. It’s fascinating to see the evolution and involution of human thought across the many civilizations that have inhabited this planet.
Great quotes of Aristotle
Aristotle, as we have said, was an outstanding student of such greats as Plato or Eudoxus. But in turn, he was also a teacher of other famous characters, such as Alexander the Great. His philosophy gave birth to quotes that after more than 2000 years have not lost an ounce of their value for today’s society.
A reflection on wisdom
“The ignorant man pronounces, the wise man questions and reflects”.
Even today we hear many ignorant people who think that the ones who shout the loudest or the one who show the greatest confidence when speaking are the wisest ones. However, while some indulge and bask in their supposed wisdom, others question, reflect and investigate.
We could almost see this quote as a kind of premonition of the scientific methods that would develop later. Don’t claim anything until you are certain that what you are saying is true. That is why some people say that the ignorant speak using the mouths of those who really know.
Know yourself
“I consider the one who conquers his desires to be braver than the one who conquers his enemies, since the hardest victory is victory over oneself.”
It is strange that, even though we are a fairly spiritual species, human beings tend to know so little about themselves. Sometimes it seems that we refuse to delve inside ourselves for fear of what we may find. We look at our image in the mirror, but hardly ever spend any time looking beyond that image.
We all have things in our lives that are difficult to accept. By doing so we would be taking a step towards what Aristotle called the victory over oneself. A long and complex task, but a necessity if we want to enjoy that feeling of well-being that gives the balance between our inner being and the image we project to others.
What is intelligence?
“Intelligence consists not only in knowledge, but also in the ability to apply knowledge in practice.”
Again we observe Aristotle pronouncing phrases very similar to what would later be known as scientific procedures. We can have plenty of knowledge, but if something can’t be clearly demonstrated and practically applied, is it actually of any use?
This quote of Aristotle thus reinforces many of the complaints of students in today’s schools. They ask themselves what the point of studying is, and it’s rare to find a teacher who can explain how they can get out of that abstract world of letters and numbers and get into the real world. Don’t forget that a practical explanation can be one of the greatest motivations that someone can have to learn.
The true friendship
“Some believe that simply wanting to be friends is enough, as if wishing someone health is enough to be healthy”
Is this one of Aristotle’s most complex phrases? Is wanting a friendship not enough to actually have it? Undoubtedly, friendship is a two-way thing. Even so, wanting the friendship must be the first step towards forging it.
Perhaps the Greek sage refers to the need for the friendship to come from the depths of our being. Friendship is something spiritual. After all, despite Aristotle being one of the most pragmatic philosophers of the ancient world, in his time they believed fervently in the existence of the soul.
The value of effort
“There is only happiness where there is virtue and serious effort, because life is not a game”.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the phrases of Aristotle that contains a greater meaning. Little is achieved without effort. For the Greeks, being virtuous was a serious and necessary issue. In fact, they considered that only the most virtuous and righteous should get to govern the people.
Undoubtedly, this quote is very valid today. Maybe with effort you won’t achieve what you are hoping for, but without it you will almost certainly not get it. Thus, a virtuous, educated, understanding and empathetic attitude will take you on a much more pleasant road through life.
These wonderful quotes from Aristotle should certainly make us reflect. Let’s take advantage of this great opportunity to learn from a genius and think about his words, and also to try and improve as people, as a society and as a species.
