![]() ![]() We learn that it's hard to be virtuous because it takes a lot of work to find the mean of each characteristic. He describes virtue in terms of a "mean" or "middle way" between two extremes (excess and deficiency, both of which are vices) and gives a quick run-down of traits according to this spectrum. ![]() While we may have natural dispositions toward particular "characteristics," we need education and habituation to make them stick.Īristotle warns us that this is no theoretical discussion-he's going to teach us how to be good. We get an overview of virtue-both intellectual and moral-and learn that we aren't really born with moral virtues. Toward the end of this book, he turns to the subject of virtue, since it's in virtuous action that humans find happiness in life. Book 1Īristotle begins by laying down the investigation at hand: what is the highest human good? He determines that it's happiness (because this is the most complete good) and has to thrash out what this means in practical terms. And, well, not ugly-there were some differences between Aristotle and Clint Eastwood-but morally gray. You're about to go for a several-thousand-year-old ride…and Aristotle ain't going to make it easy for you.īasically, we're going to get deep into the heart of what Aristotle thought made people good. Make sure the shoulder harness clicks into place. ![]()
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