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Single Idea 5871

[from 'Eudemian Ethics' by Aristotle, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 4. External Goods / a. External goods ]

Full Idea

All goods are either in the soul or outside it, and it is those in the soul that are more worthy of choice; for wisdom, virtue and pleasure are in the soul, and some or all of these seem to be an end for everyone.

Gist of Idea

Goods in the soul are more worthy than those outside it, as everybody wants them

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1218b34)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.12


A Reaction

An interesting reason for this assertion - that it is true because everybody agrees on it. See Idea 95. I would think that he might claim that our soul is our essence, whereas external goods pander to the non-essential in us.

Related Idea

Idea 95 If everyone believes it, it is true [Aristotle]