“For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with the arms of intelligence and with moral qualities which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony. But justice is the bond of men in states, and the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in political society.”
Explore This Quote Further
Reflection Questions:
After reading the passage by Aristotle, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- How do you interpret Aristotle's belief that man, when perfected, is the best of animals?
- Do you agree with Aristotle that justice is the bond of men in states? Why or why not?
- In what ways do you see intelligence and moral qualities being used for both good and bad purposes in society today?
- How can we work towards achieving virtue and justice in our own lives and in the larger community?
- What role do you believe the administration of justice plays in maintaining order in political society?
Analysis
In this quote from Aristotle, he discusses the concept of human perfection and the role of law and justice in society. Aristotle argues that when man is perfected, he is the best of all animals, but when he lacks virtue and is separated from law and justice, he becomes the worst. This highlights the importance of morality and ethical behavior in shaping human conduct. Aristotle emphasizes that justice is the foundation of order in society, as it serves as the bond that holds individuals together in states. Overall, this quote underscores the significance of virtue, justice, and moral qualities in maintaining a harmonious and just society.
The Importance of Justice in Society
Aristotle's words on the importance of justice in society still hold true today. In a world where injustice and corruption are rampant, the need for virtue and moral qualities in individuals is more crucial than ever. This quote highlights the idea that without justice, society descends into chaos and individuals are capable of using their intelligence and moral qualities for harmful purposes. Justice remains the cornerstone of a well-functioning society, ensuring order and fairness for all its members.
Aristotle on the importance of law and justice
Aristotle argues that man, when perfected, is the best of animals but becomes the worst when separated from law and justice. He believes that justice is the bond that holds societies together and that without virtue, man is capable of great harm. In his view, the administration of justice is crucial for maintaining order in political society.
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“They say that to do injustice is, by nature, good; to suffer injustice, evil, but that the evil is greater than the good. And so when men have both done and suffered injustice and have had experience of both, not being able to avoid the one and obtain the other, they think that they had better agree among themselves to have neither; hence there arise laws and mutual covenants, and that which is ordained by law is termed by them lawful and just. This they affirm to be the origin and nature of justice, it is a mean or compromise, between the best of all, which is to do injustice and not be punished, and the worst of all, which is to suffer injustice without the power of retaliation, and justice, being at a middle point between the two, is tolerated not as a good, but as the lesser evil, and honored by reason of the inability of me to do injustice. For no man who is worthy to be called a man would ever submit to such an agreement if he were able to resist; he would be mad if he did.”