Skip to content

Life Quote by Aristotle Metaphysics 1072b1830

“And thinking in itself deals with that which is best in itself, and that which is thinking in the fullest sense with that which is best in the fullest sense. And thought thinks on itself because it shares the nature of the object of thought; for it becomes an object of thought in coming into…” quote by Aristotle Metaphysics 1072b1830
Download Open image
““And thinking in itself deals with that which is best in itself, and that which is thinking in the fullest sense with that which is best in the fullest sense. And thought thinks on itself because it shares the nature of the object of thought; for it becomes an object of thought in coming into contact with and thinking its objects, so that thought and object of thought are the same. For that which is capable of receiving the object of thought, i.e. the essence, is thought. But it is active when it possesses this object. Therefore the possession rather than the receptivity is the divine element which thought seems to contain, and the act of contemplation is what is most pleasant and best. If, then, God is always in that good state in which we sometimes are, this compels our wonder; and if in a better this compels it yet more. And God is in a better state. And life also belongs to God; for the actuality of thought is life, and God is that actuality; and God’s self-dependent actuality is life most good and eternal. We say therefore that God is a living being, eternal, most good, so that life and duration continuous and eternal belong to God; for this is God.””

Aristotle Metaphysics 1072b1830

About This Quote

Source Book: Metaphysics, 1072b‑1830

Thought and being are unified; the divine element is active contemplation, making life eternal and good.

In simple terms: Thinking is active contemplation that unites thought and being.

Key Takeaway

Seek active contemplation.

Themes

Philosophy Metaphysics Divine Thought Life Eternity

Mood

Reflective Contemplative

Type

Life:1 Meditation:1 Thought:1 Philosophy of Mind:1 God Self:1 Thought Essence:1 Actuality Thought:1 Thought Object:1

When to use this quote

  • Personal meditation
  • Philosophical study
  • Theological reflection

Key Concepts

Essence Actuality Contemplation Divine Activity God as Life

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does active contemplation affect daily life?
  • Can thought truly become its object?
A Different Perspective

Limitations of human cognition may hinder full grasp of divine thought.

3.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes