Skip to content

Men must be able to engage in business and go to war, but…

“Men must be able to engage in business and go to war, but leisure and peace are better; they must do what is necessary and indeed what is useful, but what is honorable is better. On such principles children and persons of every age which requires education should be trained.” quote by Aristotle
Download Open image
“Men must be able to engage in business and go to war, but leisure and peace are better; they must do what is necessary and indeed what is useful, but what is honorable is better. On such principles children and persons of every age which requires education should be trained.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Balancing practical duties with moral excellence, emphasizing that honor surpasses mere usefulness.

In simple terms: Honor is more important than usefulness.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize honor over mere utility.

Themes

ethics education civic duty honor practicality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • military training
  • business leadership
  • educational curricula
  • public service
  • personal development

Key Concepts

virtue ethics telos human flourishing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies reward honor over profit?
  • What sacrifices are needed to uphold honor?
A Different Perspective

Honor may conflict with personal gain or societal pressures.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Aristotle

Explore all 1,545 Aristotle quotes

More Able quotes

Browse all 17,257 Able quotes