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Single Idea 5142

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / h. Fine deeds ]

Full Idea

We do not speak of an ox or a horse as happy, because none of them can take part in fine deeds; similarly, no child is happy, because its age debars it as yet from such activities.

Gist of Idea

Oxen, horses and children cannot be happy, because they cannot perform fine deeds

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1099b32)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.81


A Reaction

This is a place where 'happy' is not a very good translation for 'eudaimon', as we universally acknowledge a 'happy childhood'. We can have a 'successful' life, but not a successful childhood. I'm not convinced that even Greeks understood 'eudaimonia'.