50 Top & Most Popular Aristotle Quotes

Aristotle Quotes

Last Updated on May 22, 2024 by Team FinderWheel

About Aristotle

Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers in history, made profound contributions to a wide range of subjects including ethics, politics, metaphysics, logic, and more. His insightful quotes continue to inspire and enlighten people across generations. Here are some of his most notable quotes categorized by different topics.

100 Top Quotes by Aristotle in English

Here are 100 top and popular quotes by Aristotle, organized by various topics:

Aristotle Quotes on Ethics:

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” – Aristotle

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

“The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” – Aristotle

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” – Aristotle

“Wise men speak when they have something to say, fools speak because they have to say something.” – Aristotle

“The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” – Aristotle

“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” – Aristotle

Aristotle Quotes on Politics:

“Man is by nature a political animal.” – Aristotle

“The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.” – Aristotle

“Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.” – Aristotle

“Law is order, and good law is good order.” – Aristotle

“The law is reason free from passion.” – Aristotle

“The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons.” – Aristotle

“The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.” – Aristotle

“It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.” – Aristotle

“Tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society.” – Aristotle

“The basis of a democratic state is liberty.” – Aristotle

Aristotle Quotes on Education:

“Education is the best provision for old age.” – Aristotle

“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.” – Aristotle

“The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.” – Aristotle

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle

“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” – Aristotle

“The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” – Aristotle

“The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” – Aristotle

“The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” – Aristotle

“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” – Aristotle

Aristotle Quotes on Happiness:

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” – Aristotle

“The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” – Aristotle

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” – Aristotle

“Wise men speak when they have something to say, fools speak because they have to say something.” – Aristotle

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” – Aristotle

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

“The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” – Aristotle

“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” – Aristotle

Conclusion

Aristotle’s quotes on ethics, politics, education, and happiness reflect his profound insights into human nature and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. His teachings continue to resonate with people seeking wisdom and guidance in various aspects of life.

FAQs:

  1. Who was Aristotle?

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath who lived from 384 to 322 BC. He was a student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great. Aristotle made significant contributions to various fields including philosophy, science, logic, ethics, politics, and metaphysics.

2. What were Aristotle’s main ideas?

Aristotle’s main ideas encompassed a wide range of subjects, including ethics, politics, metaphysics, logic, and natural science. He emphasized the importance of virtue ethics, the pursuit of happiness, the function of the state in promoting the common good, and the scientific study of the natural world.

3. What is Aristotle’s view on happiness?

Aristotle believed that happiness (eudaimonia) is the highest good and the ultimate goal of human life. He defined happiness as the fulfillment of one’s potential and the realization of virtue through virtuous activity. According to Aristotle, happiness is achieved by living a life of moral and intellectual excellence.

4. What is Aristotle’s contribution to education?

Aristotle’s contribution to education lies in his emphasis on the importance of cultivating intellectual and moral virtues through education. He believed that education should aim at the development of the whole person, enabling individuals to fulfill their potential and lead flourishing lives.

5. How has Aristotle influenced Western thought?

Aristotle’s ideas have had a profound influence on Western thought and culture throughout history. His works have been studied and revered by scholars, philosophers, and thinkers for centuries, shaping the development of various fields of inquiry and providing enduring insights into the nature of reality, ethics, politics, and human flourishing.