more from Aristotle

Single Idea 5234

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / f. Übermensch]

Full Idea

For the magnanimous or great-souled man there are some circumstances in which it is not worth living.

Gist of Idea

For the great-souled man it is sometimes better to be dead

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1124b08)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.156


A Reaction

He is not talking of suicide here, but of risking one's life. This seems to be a hallmark of the normally virtuous person, as well as of someone exceptional. Most people would agree with this, but for Aristotle it is a central issue.