Single Idea 5229

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death]

Full Idea

The more completely a man possesses virtue, and the happier he is, the more he will be distressed at the thought of death, for to such a man life is supremely worth living.

Gist of Idea

The more virtuous and happy a person is, the worse the prospect becomes of ending life

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1117b11)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.135


A Reaction

Virtuous people are also, of course, brave. There is a horrible logic which says that you try to be less happy as death becomes more probable. Maybe happy people should pretend they are immortal.