Single Idea 5866

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / b. Limited purposes]

Full Idea

Not to have ordered one's life in relation to some end is a mark of extreme folly.

Gist of Idea

It is folly not to order one's life around some end

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1214b10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.2


A Reaction

A most interesting claim, not found in the Nichomachean Ethics. There the teleology is descriptive, but here it is prescriptive. It is tempting to rebel against Aristotle's injuncture. He was a driven workaholic. Why not float through life like gossamer?