Animal Quote by Aristotle
“All are agreed that the various moral qualities are in a sense bestowed by nature: we are just, and capable of temperance, and brave, and possessed of the other virtues from the moment of our birth. But nevertheless we expect to find that true goodness is something different, and that the virtues in the true sense come to belong to us in another way. For even children and wild animals possess the natural dispositions, yet without Intelligence these may manifestly be harmful.”
About This Quote
Source Nicomachean Ethics, Book I
Virtues are innate but require intelligence to be properly expressed; true goodness transcends natural disposition.
In simple terms: Innate virtues need wisdom to be good.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate intellect alongside virtue.
Themes
ethics
virtue
human nature
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- Education
- parenting
- leadership development
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
nature vs nurture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance natural traits with learned wisdom?
- Can virtue exist without reason?
A Different Perspective
Intelligence may be lacking.
