Association Quote by Anonymous
“If the spirit of their intercourse were still the same after their coming together as it had been when they were living apart,' Aristotle writes, their association can't really be considered a polis, or political community. 'A polis is not an association for residence on a common site, or for the sake of preventing mutual injustice and easing exchange.' While these conditions are necessary to a polis, they are not sufficient. 'The end and purpose of a polis is the good life, and the institutions of social life are means to that end.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics, Aristotle, 4th century BC
A community is not just a shared location or mutual aid; it must foster the good life for its members.
In simple terms: A polis must aim for the good life, not just coexistence.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate shared purpose beyond mere residence.
Themes
politics
community
ethics
philosophy
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- local governance
- civic education
- community building
Key Concepts
Aristotelian virtue
common good
civic identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What values must a community nurture to achieve the good life?
- How can institutions balance individual needs with collective well‑being?
A Different Perspective
Shared space alone does not guarantee a flourishing society.
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