--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who merely possess the goods of…" description: "\"Those who merely possess the goods of fortune may be haughty and insolent; . . . they try to imitate the great-souled man without being really like him..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afc/aristotle-78_being-real_those-who-merely-possess-the-goods-of-fo_2666613.jpg" --- # Those who merely possess the goods of fortune may be… ![“Those who merely possess the goods of fortune may be haughty and insolent; . . . they try to imitate the great-souled man without being really like him, and only copy him in what they can, reproducing his contempt for others but not his virtuous conduct. For the great-souled man is justified in…” quote by Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afc/aristotle-78_being-real_those-who-merely-possess-the-goods-of-fo_2666613.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afc/aristotle-78_being-real_those-who-merely-possess-the-goods-of-fo_2666613.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/afc/aristotle-78_being-real_those-who-merely-possess-the-goods-of-fo_2666613.jpg) > “Those who merely possess the goods of fortune may be haughty and insolent; . . . they try to imitate the great-souled man without being really like him, and only copy him in what they can, reproducing his contempt for others but not his virtuous conduct. For the great-souled man is justified in despising other people - his estimates are correct; but most proud men have no good ground for their pride.” [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True virtue cannot be faked; merely copying outward traits without inner moral character leads to false pride. **In simple terms:** Virtue requires inner goodness, not just imitation. Key Takeaway Cultivate authentic character. Themes ethics pride virtue imitation Mood reflective critical Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - leadership - education - personal growth - social interaction Key Concepts moral philosophy character development Questions to Reflect On - Can imitation ever replace genuine virtue? - How does true pride differ from false? 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