Aristotle Quotation

Introduction

The selected quote is by Aristotle, published in his one of his most famous writings commonly known as “The Politics”. Aristotle believes that political activities hold a central place in leading a good life.

Thesis Statement

The idea portrayed by Aristotle through his quotation portrays the fact that the virtues of a good man and a good citizen are different.

Discussion

Assertions and Meaning of the Quotation

Aristotle asserts, “There is a point nearly allied to the preceding: Whether the virtue of a good man and a good citizen is the same or not. But, before entering on this discussion, we must certainly first obtain some general notion of the virtue of the citizen”. Aristotle, through this quotation, has challenged the traditional idea that declares a good citizen as a good man. However, before analyzing different aspects, it is very essential to clearly define the characteristics of a good citizen.

Aristotle asserts, “Like the sailor, the citizen is a member of a community. Now, sailors have different functions, for one of them is a rower, another a pilot, and a third a lookout man, a fourth is described by some similar term; and while the precise definition of each individual's virtue applies exclusively to him, there is, at the same time, a common definition applicable to them all. For they have all of them a common object, which is safety in navigation. Similarly, one citizen differs from another, but the salvation of the community is the common business of them all. This community is the constitution…”. Aristotle has compared a society and its inhabitants with a ship and its sailors. Aristotle believes that just like sailors on a ship, all the individuals living in a society have their individual roles and duties to play. The personality traits, responsibilities and personalities of each individual ...