Aristotle quotes - page 12

[T]he infinite is in capacity. That, however, which is infinite in capacity is not to be assumed as that which is infinite in energy. ...[I]t has its being in capacity, and in division and diminution. ...[I]t is always possible to assume something beyond it. It does not, however, on this account surpass every definite magnitude; as in division it surpasses every definite magnitude, and will be less. (Aristotle)
The infinite... happens to subsist in a way contrary to what is asserted by others: for the infinite is not that beyond which there is nothing, but it is that of which there is always something beyond. ...But that pertaining to which there is nothing beyond is perfect and whole. ...that of which nothing is absent pertaining to the parts ...the whole is that pertaining to which there is nothing beyond. But that pertaining to which something external is absent, that is not all ...But nothing is perfect which has not an end; and the end is a bound. On this account... Parmenides spoke better than Melissus: for the latter says that the infinite is a whole; but the former, that the whole is finite, and equally balanced from the middle: for to conjoin the infinite with the universe and the whole, is not to connect line with line. View quote
Aristotle
...suppose α without weight, but β possessing weight; and let α pass over space γδ, but β in the same time pass over a space γε,-for that which has weight will be carried through the larger space. If now the heavy body be divided in the proportion that space γε bears to γδ, ... and if the whole is carried through the whole space γε, then it must be that a part in the same time would be carried through γδ... View quote
Aristotle
The essential nature (concerning the soul) cannot be corporeal, yet it is also clear that this soul is present in a particular bodily part, and this one of the parts having control over the rest (heart). View quote
Aristotle
And surely to know what this good is, is of great importance for the conduct of life, for in that case we shall be like archers shooting at a definite mark, and shall be more likely to do what is right. But, if this is the case, we must try to comprehend, in outline at least, what it is and to which of the sciences it belongs. (Bk I, Ch I) View quote
Aristotle
Perhaps then we must begin with such facts as are known to us from individual experience. It is necessary therefore that the person who is to study, with any tolerable chance of profit, the principles of nobleness and justice and politics generally, should have received a good moral training. (Bk I, Ch II) View quote
Aristotle
If a man knows what it is right to do, he does not require a formal reason. And a person that has been thus trained, either possesses these first principles already, or can easily acquire them. (Bk I, Ch II) View quote
Aristotle
The majority of mankind and people who lack refinement conceive it to be pleasure, and hence they approve a life of sensual enjoyment. (Bk. 1, Chapter III) View quote
Aristotle
Now the mass of mankind are plainly... choosing a life like that of brute animals... (Bk. 1, Chapter III) View quote
Aristotle
For some identify happiness with virtue, some with practical wisdom, others with a kind of philosophic wisdom, others with these, or one of these, accompanied by pleasure or not without pleasure; while others include also external prosperity. Now ... it is not probable that these should be entirely mistaken, but rather that they should be right in at least some one respect or even in most respects. View quote
Aristotle
For pleasure is a state of soul, and to each man that which he is said to be a lover of is pleasant.... Now for most men their pleasures are in conflict with one another because these are not by nature pleasant, but the lovers of what is noble find pleasant the things that are by nature pleasant; and virtuous actions are such... Happiness then is the best, noblest, and most pleasant thing in the world, and these attributes are not severed as in the inscription at Delos: Most noble is that which is justest, and best is health; but pleasantest is it to win what we love. (Aristotle)
A tragedy, then, is the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself; in language ... not in a narrative form; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its catharsis of such emotions. View quote
Aristotle
Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all. View quote
Aristotle
Young people are in a condition like permanent intoxication, because youth is sweet and they are growing. View quote
Aristotle
Poetry is something more philosophic and of graver import than history, since its statements are of nature of universals, whereas those of history are of singulars. View quote
Aristotle
The law is reason from passion. View quote
Aristotle
Poverty breeds rebellion and crime. View quote
Aristotle
First, have a definite, clear practical ideal a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end. View quote
Aristotle
Philosophy is the science which considers truth. View quote
Aristotle
The quality of life is determined by its activities. View quote
Aristotle
The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper. (Aristotle)
All proofs rest on premises. View quote
Aristotle
Obstinate people can be divided into the opinionated, the ignorant, and the boorish. View quote
Aristotle
It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom. View quote
Aristotle
It is more difficult to organize peace than to win a war but the fruits of victory will be lost if the peace is not well organized. View quote
Aristotle