Full Idea
We deliberate not about ends, but about means.
Gist of Idea
We deliberate about means, not ends
Source
Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1112b12)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.119
A Reaction
A young person choosing a career path probably ought to deliberate about ends, as well as means. Is he implying at ends are irrational? That sounds unlikely.
Related Idea
Idea 80 Virtue ensures that we have correct aims, and prudence that we have correct means of achieving them [Aristotle]