It Requires Efforts to Know What Is Truly Good [Ethics 6]

It Requires Efforts to Know What Is Truly Good

Thinking with Aristotle

____________________________

“What then do we mean by the good? It is surely not like the things that only chance to have the same name. Are goods one, then, by being derived from one good or by all contributing to one good, or are they rather one by analogy? Certainly as sight is in the body, so is reason in the soul, and so on in other cases.”

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, 1.6

____________________________

Dear friend,

Warm greetings to each of you, my valued companion in our quest for wisdom. I am thrilled to bring you another letter from Wisdom Epistles, where we explore the profound insights found in Aristotle's teachings.

In this section (1.6), Aristotle dives into the concept of the universal good and its significance in our lives. He raises important questions about what it truly means to be good and how it influences our actions. As this section is very dense and heavy, I will not get into all the details. For now, though, let me just summarize by saying that Aristotle explores the diverse forms of the universal good and the challenges we face in understanding it, and these are essential subjects that merit our deep consideration.

To keep it simple, Aristotle urges us to reflect on the idea of goodness and its impact on our lives. By contemplating what it means to be good, we are prompted to question our values and the reasons behind our choices. This challenges us to go beyond social expectations while recognizing the importance of social groups in making our life choices. Aristotle simply encourages us to see the deeper layers of human happiness that we can easily overlook, and he emphasizes the importance of actively seeking understanding and defining what truly constitutes a good life.

Now, let me share a short story. In a quest to understand the nature of goodness, a curious young woman named Lily sought the wisdom of an esteemed sage named Benjamin. With anticipation in her eyes, Lily asked Benjamin to explain what it truly means to be good, especially to be a good person. Benjamin, with a serene smile, explained that grasping the essence of goodness requires much reflection and effort. He then shared a parable of a diligent gardener who nurtures a flourishing garden by tending to the soil, selecting the right seeds, and providing care. Similarly, understanding the nature of the good involves distinguishing and cultivating virtues within oneself, such as intelligence, loveliness, humility, etc. Intrigued by Benjamin's teachings, Lily embarked on her own journey of self-reflection, striving to embody the noble qualities that define a good person.

As readers, we can embrace Benjamin's wisdom and recognize that unraveling the nature of goodness requires sincere effort. Like Lily, we are called to embark on a personal journey of self-reflection and growth, so that we can learn to think about the good and become good by developing virtues. By nurturing virtues and embodying noble qualities, then, we can know what makes a person good in this often confusing world.

Take this time to think about these questions:

1. How do you personally define goodness in your life? What values and qualities do you associate with being a good person?

2. Reflect on the choices you make on a daily basis. Are they aligned with what you consider to be good? How can you actively incorporate more goodness into your actions and decisions?

3. Consider the virtues mentioned by Benjamin in the story, such as intelligence, loveliness, and humility. Which virtues resonate with you the most, and how can you nurture and cultivate them within yourself?

4. What does a "good world" look like according to your values? Envision the characteristics and principles that define a good community. How can you contribute to creating or being part of such a community?

Stay tuned for the next installment of wisdom, where we will continue our exploration of Aristotle's teachings and their profound implications for our lives.

Until then, may your reflections be deep, and may you discover the characteristics of a good life.

Warm regards,

Aristotle's Disciple

____________________________

Videos for This Week