What Aristotle thinks about happiness
Greek philosopher (384 to 322 BCE); studied in Plato's Academy until 347 BCE; founded the Lyceum in Athens in 335 BCE.
Aristotle did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
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Only Aristotle on happiness. See everyone on happiness
3 dated positions, c. 367–322 BCE, in their own words. Our reading of what Aristotle has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Their wordsBut we must add 'in a complete life'. For one swallow does not make a summer, nor does one day; and so too one day, or a short time, does not make a man blessed and happy.
↗Nicomachean Ethics, Book One (tr. W. D. Ross, 1925)en.wikisource.org
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Our readingHappiness does not lie in amusement
Their wordsHappiness, therefore, does not lie in amusement; it would, indeed, be strange if the end were amusement, and one were to take trouble and suffer hardship all one's life in order to amuse oneself.
↗Nicomachean Ethics, Book Ten (tr. W. D. Ross, 1925)en.wikisource.org All 3 from this book
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Our readingHappiness must be some form of contemplation
Their wordsHappiness, therefore, must be some form of contemplation.
↗Nicomachean Ethics, Book Ten (tr. W. D. Ross, 1925)en.wikisource.org All 3 from this book