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Beginning Quote by Aristotle

“A beginning is that which does not itself follow anything by causal necessity, but after which something naturally is or comes to be. An end, on the contrary, is that which itself naturally follows some other thing, either by necessity, or as a rule, but has nothing following it. A middle is that…” quote by Aristotle
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““A beginning is that which does not itself follow anything by causal necessity, but after which something naturally is or comes to be. An end, on the contrary, is that which itself naturally follows some other thing, either by necessity, or as a rule, but has nothing following it. A middle is that which follows something as some other thing follows it. A well constructed plot, therefore, must neither begin nor end at haphazard, but conform to these principles.””

Aristotle

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Poetics, 335 BC (Greek philosophy)

A well‑structured narrative follows logical progression: a beginning that initiates, a middle that develops, and an end that concludes naturally.

In simple terms: Stories need clear start, middle, and finish.

Key Takeaway

Design narratives with logical flow.

Themes

storytelling structure logic

Mood

educational analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • film script
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

causality plot development dramatic arc

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance structure with creativity?
  • When can breaking the pattern enhance impact?
A Different Perspective

Rigid structures may limit creative surprise.

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