Administration Quote by Aristotle
“For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with the arms of intelligence and with moral qualities which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony. But justice is the bond of men in states, and the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in political society.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics by Aristotle, 4th century BC
Humans can be noble or vicious depending on law, justice, and virtue; without virtue they become destructive despite their intelligence.
In simple terms: People are good with law, bad without.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue and justice.
Themes
ethics
politics
human nature
law
morality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government formation
- legal reform
- education
- conflict resolution
- leadership
Key Concepts
virtue
justice
order
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does law play in shaping moral behavior?
- How can societies foster virtue?
A Different Perspective
Virtue alone may not prevent misuse of intelligence.
