If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.
—Aristotle
Topics: Democracy, Liberty, Government, Equality
The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.
—Aristotle
Topics: Equality
So it is naturally with the male and the female; the one is superior, the other inferior; the one governs, the other is governed; and the same rule must necessarily hold good with respect to all mankind.
—Aristotle
Topics: Men & Women, Women, Men
The mother of revolution and crime is poverty.
—Aristotle
Topics: Poverty, One liners
Therefore, the good of man must be the end of the science of politics.
—Aristotle
Topics: Politics
The greatest virtues are those which are most useful to other persons.
—Aristotle
Topics: Virtue, Virtues
Friends are an aid to the young, to guard them from error; to the elderly, to attend to their wants and to supplement their failing power of action; to those in the prime of life, to assist them to noble deeds.
—Aristotle
Topics: Friendship
There is a foolish corner even in the brain of the sage.
—Aristotle
Topics: Fools
Teaching is the highest form of understanding.
—Aristotle
Topics: One liners, Teaching
When several villages are united in a single complete community, large enough to be nearly or quite self-sufficing, the state comes into existence, originating in the bare needs of life, and continuing in existence for the sake of a good life.
—Aristotle
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous
—Aristotle
Topics: Gardening
Again, men in general desire the good, and not merely what their fathers had.
—Aristotle
Topics: Desire
It’s best to rise from life like a banquet, neither thirsty or drunken.
—Aristotle
Topics: Moderation
The greatest injustices proceed from those who pursue excess, not by those who are driven by necessity.
—Aristotle
Topics: Justice
The true end of tragedy is to purify the passions.
—Aristotle
Topics: Tragedy
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.
—Aristotle
Topics: Goal, Goals
All that one gains by falsehood is, not to be believed when he speaks the truth.
—Aristotle
Of all the varieties of virtue, liberality is the most beloved.
—Aristotle
Topics: Virtues, Liberalism, Virtue, Giving
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
Topics: Beauty, Acceptance, Courage, Heroes, Bravery
The law is reason, free from passion.
—Aristotle
Topics: Law, Passion
The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life—knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.
—Aristotle
Topics: Crises, Suffering, Trouble
This is the reason why mothers are more devoted to their children than fathers: it is that they suffer more in giving them birth and are more certain that they are their own.
—Aristotle
Topics: Children, Parents
The unfortunate need people who will be kind to them; the prosperous need people to be kind to.
—Aristotle
Topics: Poor, Charity
Tragedy is a representation of action that is worthy of serious attention, complete in itself and of some magnitude – bringing about by means of pity and fear the purging of such emotions.
—Aristotle
Topics: Tragedy
Hope is a waking dream.
—Aristotle
Topics: Dreams, Hope
If things do not turn out as we wish, we should wish for them as they turn out.
—Aristotle
Topics: Desires
No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world.
—Aristotle
Topics: Existence
No notice is taken of a little evil, but when it increases it strikes the eye.
—Aristotle
Topics: Evil
If happiness is activity in accordance with excellence, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest excellence.
—Aristotle
Topics: Happiness, Excellence
Melancholy men are of all others the most witty.
—Aristotle
Topics: Wit, Humor
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Plato Ancient Greek Philosopher
Xenocrates Greek Philosopher, Scientist
Heraclitus Ancient Greek Philosopher
Epictetus Ancient Greek Philosopher
Epicurus Greek Philosopher
Bias of Priene Greek Orator
Plotinus Ancient Greek Philosopher, Mystic
Charles Sanders Peirce American Philosopher
Pythagoras Greek Philosopher
Euripides Ancient Greek Dramatist