THE GREAT ONES
Aristotle
V.K. SUBRAMANIAN
|
Aristotle, (383 B.C. — 322 B.C.), the Greek philosopher, is one of the greatest thinkers of the world.
|
ILLUSTRATION: V.K. SUBRAMANIAN
Aristotle, (383 B.C. - 322 B.C.) the Greek philosopher and scientist, is one of the greatest thinkers of the world. He was Plato's pupil and Alexander's teacher.
Apart from philosophy, Aristotle has dealt with logic, physics, cosmology, psychology, biology, metaphysics, ethics, politics and poetics. There is no branch of learning, which Aristotle has not touched upon.
Some of the observations may not be palatable, but are pithy:
Some quotes
"The good life is the happy life."
"Good birth, good health, good looks, good luck, good reputation, good friends, good money and goodness are necessary to lasting happiness."
"Man is a political animal."
"He is by nature a slave who is capable of belonging to another."
"We cannot learn without pain."
"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the harder victory is the victory over the self."
"All natural bodies are organs of the soul."
Though primarily a philosopher, Aristotle is considered the father of science. He is to science what Socrates is to philosophy,
Socrates was tried by his countrymen and killed by poisoning. Aristotle went into exile to escape punishment and committed suicide by drinking poision.
Most great men are compelled to martyrdom by contemporary circumstances.
A young mother once asked Aristotle: "When should I start training my child?"
"How old is your child?" queried Aristotle.
"He is five," replied the mother.
"Hurry home! You are already five years late!", the great philosopher shouted.
This is an extract from the book The Great Ones by V.K. Subramanian, published by Abhinav Publications, New Delhi
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
