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Brother Quote by Aristotle

“How strange it is that Socrates, after having made the children common, should hinder lovers from carnal intercourse only, but should permit love and familiarities between father and son or between brother and brother, than which nothing can be more unseemly, since even without them love of this…” quote by Aristotle
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“How strange it is that Socrates, after having made the children common, should hinder lovers from carnal intercourse only, but should permit love and familiarities between father and son or between brother and brother, than which nothing can be more unseemly, since even without them love of this sort is improper. How strange, too, to forbid intercourse for no other reason than the violence of the pleasure, as though the relationship of father and son or of brothers with one another made no difference.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Ethics, 350 BC

Questioning inconsistent moral rules about sexual relationships among relatives versus non-relatives.

In simple terms: Inconsistent rules on love and sex.

Key Takeaway

Advocate consistent moral standards.

Themes

ethics family relations sexual morality

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • family counseling
  • legal policy
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

hypocrisy social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why are some familial relationships deemed acceptable?
  • How do societies reconcile love with moral codes?
A Different Perspective

Cultural context influences moral judgments.

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