Aristotle was one of history’s most influential philosophers, whose ideas shaped Western thought in ethics, science, and politics. His teachings emphasize reason, virtue, and the pursuit of a balanced life grounded in wisdom. The following quotes capture Aristotle’s enduring insights into character, knowledge, and the foundations of a meaningful life.
To write well, express yourself like the common people, but think like a wise man.
The secret to humor is surprise.
A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies.
We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
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.
Wit is educated insolence.
Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.
For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.
From The Nicomachean Ethics
To write well, express yourself like the common people, but think like a wise man.
The secret to humor is surprise.
A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies.
We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
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.
Wit is educated insolence.
Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.
For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.
From The Nicomachean Ethics
To write well, express yourself like the common people, but think like a wise man.
The secret to humor is surprise.
A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies.
We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
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.
Wit is educated insolence.
Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.
For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.
From The Nicomachean Ethics