The Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle

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virtue ethics

happiness and virtue

self help philosophy

moral character insights

conversational prose

readable philosophical ideas

ancient greek philosophy

ethical inquiries

friendship and justice

thoughtful reading

philosophical treatise on ethics

guidance to a fulfilling life

Who Would Like This Book:

This classic from Aristotle is the ultimate guide to living a good life, packed with reflections on happiness, virtue, and character. The newer Penguin Classics translation by Adam Beresford is especially praised for its accessible, conversational style - making these ancient insights feel surprisingly fresh. If you're curious about the roots of Western philosophy or simply want life advice that's stood the test of 2,300 years, you'll find this a rewarding read. Great for philosophy students, anyone interested in ethics or self-improvement, or readers looking for timeless wisdom about how to flourish as a human.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers find Aristotle’s language dense, his concepts complex, and his style meandering - especially in older translations. Even with the newer, friendlier editions, the book can be challenging if you’re not used to philosophical texts. If you want a page-turner or a quick self-help fix, you might struggle with the abstract discussions and need to supplement with summaries or commentary. Also, the physical quality of some editions (like cheap pages or blurry fonts) has been noted as a downside.

A pillar of philosophical thought on how to live well - challenging yet deeply rewarding, especially in modern, readable translations. Worth the time for anyone interested in ethics, happiness, or the human condition.

About:

The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle is a philosophy book that delves into the concept of virtue ethics and guides readers on how to become a better person. It is considered a great self-help book that offers insights on living a good life and understanding concepts such as friendship, justice, and happiness. The book presents philosophical ideas in a conversational format, making it fairly readable and insightful for those interested in exploring the philosophy of ethics.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is accessible and conversational, making complex philosophical ideas easier to grasp without technical jargon.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores the ethical inquiries related to happiness and virtue, presenting insights into human character and moral standards.

Setting:

The setting is philosophical in nature, rooted in ancient Greek cultural and intellectual traditions.

Pacing:

The pacing consists of short sections that require careful, thoughtful reading to comprehend complex ideas effectively.

EVERY art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim. But a ce...

Notes:

The Nicomachean Ethics offers an accessible translation by Adam Beresford, making it easier to understand than previous versions.

The book discusses the nature of happiness and virtue, portraying them as essential components of human life.

Aristotle emphasizes that virtue is about excellence and performing well in various aspects of life.

The text contains practical insights on how to cultivate good habits and behaviors to improve one's character.

Aristotle argued that people shouldn't study philosophy before 30, as younger individuals may be too driven by emotions to grasp its value.

He believed that pleasure should be integrated into virtue, suggesting moderation rather than repression of desires.

The Nicomachean Ethics is often recommended as a starting point for those new to philosophy because of its insights on the good life.

Aristotle proposed that the soul is an integral part of the body, contrary to Plato's belief in its independence.

The work has influenced a wide range of philosophical discussions and continues to be relevant in contemporary ethics.

Readers might struggle with the complexity of the text, but many find it valuable for personal growth and self-improvement.

From The Publisher:

The Nicomachean Ethics is the name normally given to Aristotle's best-known work on ethics. The work, which plays a pre-eminent role in defining Aristotelian ethics, consists of ten books, originally separate scrolls, and is understood to be based on notes from his lectures at the Lyceum.

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About the Author:

Aristotle was born at Stageira, in the dominion of the kings of Macedonia, in 384 BCE. For 20 years he studied at Athens in the Academy of Plato, on whose death in 347 he left, and, sometime later, became tutor of…

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