Aristotles definition of MAN

[WORKEROUTER]

"He does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life,-knowing that under certain conditions it is not worth while to live. He is of desposition to do men service, though he is ashamed to have a service done to him. To confer a kindness is a mark of superiority; to receive one is a mark of subordination...He does not take part in public displays..He is open in his dislikes and preferences; he talks and acts frankly, because of his contempt for men and things...He is never fired with admiration, since there is nothing great in his eyes. He cannot live in complaisance with others, except it be a friend; complaisance is the charasteristic of a slave....He never feels malice, and always forgets and passses over injuries...He is not fond of talking...It is no concern of his that he should be praised, or that others should be blamed. He does not speak evil of others, even of his enemies, unless it be to themselves. His carriage is sedate, his voice deep, his speech measured; he is not given to hurry, for he is concerned about only a few things; he is prone to vehemence, for he thinks nothing very important. A shrill voice and hasty steps come to a man through care...He bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of his circumstances, like a skilful general who marshals his limited forces with all the strategy of war...He is his own best friend, and takes delight in privacy whereas the man of no virtue or ability is his own worst enemy, and is afraid of solitude."

this is an excerpt from aristotles ethics, iv, 3.

i had found this particular passage in a book called "the story of philosophy" by will durant.

it was a great insight into what a true man is, and i think we should all read it.

 

[Duke]

Really wise insight, but I'm curious about these two quotes:

Originally posted by WORKEROUTER
He is open in his dislikes and preferences; he talks and acts frankly, because of his contempt for men and things...He is never fired with admiration, since there is nothing great in his eyes.

Why should a man have contempt for men? How solemn and boring life would be if men were never "fired with admiration."

Originally posted by WORKEROUTER
He is not fond of talking...

Right... so he grunts? If Aristotle meant that men are beings of action instead of talk, then I agree. But men shouldn't be silent for the sake of being silent.

 

[McKindley]

I like that aristotle's thoughts are here on the board, but in the end I don't think anyone here is close enough in wisdom or knowledge to truly contradict his thoughts.

maybe I just have too much respect for the man, but I don't think i'm going to read any responses to this thread.

 

[icepick]

Originally posted by McKindley
I like that aristotle's thoughts are here on the board, but in the end I don't think anyone here is close enough in wisdom or knowledge to truly contradict his thoughts.

maybe I just have too much respect for the man, but I don't think i'm going to read any responses to this thread.

LOL!

You contradict him already:

He is never fired with admiration, since there is nothing great in his eyes.

That is, if you are a man.

 

[WORKEROUTER]

Originally posted by McKindley
I like that aristotle's thoughts are here on the board, but in the end I don't think anyone here is close enough in wisdom or knowledge to truly contradict his thoughts.

maybe I just have too much respect for the man, but I don't think i'm going to read any responses to this thread.

..lol

 

[sAxyguy83]

...And once again the message is totally lost in the flames and criticism. The DJ application of this quote is that a real man only cares greatly about important things, and leaves the stuff that's not important to pretty much take care of itself. Don't get rattled or incensed over minor issues, but when something is important, treat it as such. Rejection is unimportant and inconsequential. A meaningful emotional connection is not.

Final thought, if you're going to flame someone, flame them for stupid posts. Don't criticize them just b/c you don't agree with what they post. If they post in ALL CAPS and/or 1337, and post total garbage, then they're asking for a flame. If, however, they are posting something of value, that's what this forum is all about.

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"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds." -Albert Einstein