Quotes from Aristotle

The basis of a democratic state is liberty.

If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.

Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well.

If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.

Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them.

To die will be an awfully big adventure.

Again, men in general desire the good, and not merely what their fathers had.

Shame is an ornament to the young; a disgrace to the old.

Since we think we understand when we know the explanation, and there are four types of explanation (one, what it is to be a thing; one, that if certain things hold it is necessary that this does; another, what initiated the change; and fourth, the aim), all these are proved through the middle term.

No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world.

No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all other things in the world

A democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth, no property, and vulgar employments.

Humour is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humour, for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit.

It was through the feeling of wonder that men now and at first began to philosophize.

Where some people are very wealthy and others have nothing, the result will be either extreme democracy or absolute oligarchy, or despotism will come from either of those excesses.

This is the reason why mothers are more devoted to their children than fathers: it is that they suffer more in giving them birth and are more certain that they are their own.

When we deliberate it is about means and not ends.

A good style must have an air of novelty, at the same time concealing its art.

The secret to humour is surprise.

The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.

It is better to rise from life as from a banquet - neither thirsty nor drunken.

To enjoy the things we ought, and to hate the things we ought, has the greatest bearing on excellence of character.

It is easy to perform a good action, but not easy to acquire a settled habit of performing such actions.

The generality of men are naturally apt to be swayed by fear rather than reverence, and to refrain from evil rather because of the punishment that it brings than because of its own foulness.