If there is some end of the things we do, which we desire…
“If there is some end of the things we do, which we desire for its own sake, clearly this must be the good. Will not knowledge of it, then, have a great influence on life? Shall we not, like archers who have a mark to aim at, be more likely to hit upon what we should? If so, we must try, in outline at least, to determine what it is.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The ultimate good is what we pursue for its own sake; understanding it guides our actions like a target for an archer.
In simple terms: The highest good is what we seek for itself, shaping our life choices.
Key Takeaway
Identify and pursue the true highest good.
Themes
ethics
purpose
philosophy
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal goals
- education
- public policy
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
teleology
eudaimonia
human flourishing
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you consider the highest good?
- How does knowing this good change your daily actions?
A Different Perspective
Human desires are complex; what seems self‑sufficient may be influenced by external pressures.