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Causes Quote by Aristotle

“For as the interposition of a rivulet, however small, will occasion the line of the phalanx to fluctuate, so any trifling disagreement will be the cause of seditions; but they will not so soon flow from anything else as from the disagreement between virtue and vice, and next to that between…” quote by Aristotle
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“For as the interposition of a rivulet, however small, will occasion the line of the phalanx to fluctuate, so any trifling disagreement will be the cause of seditions; but they will not so soon flow from anything else as from the disagreement between virtue and vice, and next to that between poverty and riches.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Politics, Book 1, 4th century BC

Small disputes can destabilize groups, but deeper conflicts between virtue and vice or poverty and wealth cause the greatest upheavals.

In simple terms: Minor disagreements can ripple, but core moral/economic divides drive revolts.

Key Takeaway

Address fundamental values before minor grievances.

Themes

politics conflict morality economics

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • team dynamics
  • community leadership
  • policy making
  • social movements

Key Concepts

virtue ethics social cohesion class struggle

Questions to Reflect On

  • What core values are at stake in your group?
  • How can you reconcile economic disparities?
A Different Perspective

Minor issues may mask deeper systemic problems.

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