Single Idea 24037

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 2. Immortality / a. Immortality]

Full Idea

We do not wish for impossible things - for immortality, for instance.

Gist of Idea

We all assume immortality is impossible

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1111b22)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Nicomachean Ethics', ed/tr. Irwin,Terence (rev Reeve) [Hackett 1985], p.39


A Reaction

Obviously this primarily means physical immortality, in contrast to the immortal gods, though Aristotle doesn't seem to believe that humans have an immortal part.