Full Idea
Justice [dikaiosune] and self-control [sophrosune] are preferable to courage, for the first two are always useful, but courage only sometimes.
Gist of Idea
Justice and self-control are better than courage, because they are always useful
Source
Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 117a36)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Forster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.393
A Reaction
One could challenge his criterion. What of something which is absolutely vital on occasions, against something which is very mildly useful all the time? You may survive without justice, but not without courage. Compare Idea 12277.
Related Idea
Idea 12277 Friendship is preferable to money, since its excess is preferable [Aristotle]