Action Quote by Aristotle
“Take the case of just actions; just punishments and chastisements do indeed spring from a good principle, but they are good only because we cannot do without them - it would be better that neither individuals nor states should need anything of the sort - but actions which aim at honor and advantage are absolutely the best. The conditional action is only the choice of a lesser evil; whereas these are the foundation and creation of good. A good man may make the best even of poverty and disease, and the other ills of life.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Nicomachean Ethics, Book VII, 350 BC
He argues that actions motivated by honor and advantage are superior to punitive measures, which are merely lesser evils used when necessary.
In simple terms: Honor-driven actions outweigh punishments.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize honorable deeds over punitive ones.
Themes
ethics
virtue
justice
Mood
analytical
philosophical
Type
ethical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- leadership
- lawmaking
- conflict resolution
- social policy
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- When is punishment justified?
- Can honor replace all forms of deterrence?
A Different Perspective
Punishments may sometimes be unavoidable despite moral ideals.
