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Aim Quote by Aristotle

“Every community is an association of some kind and every community is established with a view to some good; for everyone always acts in order to obtain that which they think good. But, if all communities aim at some good, the state or political community, which is the highest of all, and which…” quote by Aristotle
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“Every community is an association of some kind and every community is established with a view to some good; for everyone always acts in order to obtain that which they think good. But, if all communities aim at some good, the state or political community, which is the highest of all, and which embraces all the rest, aims at good in a greater degree than any other, and at the highest good.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

Source Book: Politics by Aristotle, 4th century BC

Communities form to achieve perceived good; the state, as the supreme community, seeks the highest good for all.

In simple terms: Communities aim for good; the state seeks the greatest good.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize the common good in governance.

Themes

politics ethics community common good

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical political ethical

When to use this quote

  • local clubs
  • municipal governments
  • national policy
  • international alliances

Key Concepts

teleology collective welfare hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can a state balance individual and collective good?
  • What defines the ‘highest good’ for a society?
A Different Perspective

Balancing diverse interests can hinder a unified pursuit of the highest good.

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