Aristotle's Quotes

Aristotle is a notable figure.

MotivatedAncient

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

This quote is often attributed to Aristotle, though it was actually written by Will Durant in 'The Story of Philosophy' (1926) as a summary of Aristotle's ideas.

Why this matters: This quote emphasizes that excellence comes from consistent practice and habit formation, not from isolated moments of brilliance. It encourages building positive habits for long-term success.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Aristotle advocates for the ability to consider various viewpoints without necessarily accepting them. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: This approach fosters open-mindedness and critical thinking in discussions. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

Well begun is half done.

Aristotle emphasizes the importance of starting tasks well. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: This encourages thorough preparation for success. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

He who hath many friends hath none.

Aristotle warns against having too many superficial friendships. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: True friendship requires depth and commitment. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.

Aristotle suggests that true friendship develops over time. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: Meaningful connections require patience and nurturing. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

Quality is not an act; it is a habit.

Aristotle asserts that quality is a continuous practice. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: Habits define our achievements and character over time. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

Criticism is something you can easily avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.

Aristotle points out that avoiding criticism leads to mediocrity. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: It encourages taking risks and striving for excellence despite potential backlash. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

A friend to all is a friend to none.

Aristotle reflects on the nature of friendship and its complexities. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: True connections require depth, not superficiality. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Aristotle asserts that excellence is cultivated through consistent habits rather than singular actions. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: It encourages the development of positive routines for success. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach.

Aristotle differentiates between knowledge and teaching. This quote emerged during a period of significant societal transformation, reflecting deeper insights about human experience and personal growth. It continues to resonate with audiences today, offering timeless wisdom that bridges past understanding with contemporary challenges.

Why this matters: It emphasizes the importance of sharing wisdom with others. This perspective remains particularly relevant in our current era of rapid change and increasing complexity. It reminds us that wisdom often lies in understanding fundamental truths that transcend time, while applying them to modern contexts. The quote challenges us to think deeply about our own approach to life's challenges and opportunities.
Next

Related Categories