90+ Timeless Aristotle Quotes to Transform Your Life, Friendship & Mindset
Published: 5 May 2025
Aristotle was an ancient Greek Philosopher and a student of Plato (322BC-384BC). He has left a lasting impact on Western philosophy.
Aristotle’s teachings on morality and politics are the treasure of knowledge. He had a profound and lasting impact on philosophy and continues to be studied and appreciated.
Aristotle quotes conveyed his knowledge as a philosophy teacher and hoped his students would accept his concepts and think deeply.
Read these chosen Aristotle life lesson quotes carefully to get inner peace and satisfaction.
Famous Aristotle Life Lessons
These ancient Aristotle Quotations on education, happiness, and excellence encourage us to become good individuals.
Aristotle on Educated Mind
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Aristotle one-line quote
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
Aristotle’s saying about Happiness
Happiness depends upon ourselves.
Realize when to stop knowing about things
The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
Aristotle’s Thought on the Purpose of Education
It is the purpose of education to make people not only do the right things but enjoy the right things—not only industrious but to love industry not only learned, but to love knowledge—not only just, but to hunger and thirst after justice.
Nature of Desire
It is the nature of desire not to be satisfied, and most men live only for gratification.
Excellence as a Habit
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
Greedy or self-centered people don’t care or listen to other people
The more one speaks of himself, the less he likes to hear another talked of.
Reward of Patience
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
Real Purpose of Art
Art aims to represent not the outward appearance of things but their inward significance.
Wisdom quotes from Aristotle
These motivational Aristotle quotes on life reveal that he was and will always remain the greatest philosopher of the ancient and modern Eras.
Pleasure makes the work perfect
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Aristotle’s opinions on friends
What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Consider quality as a habit
Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
Sincere wish from best friend
My best friend is the man who wishes me well and wishes it for my sake
Nature of man as a social animal
Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual.
Intelligence is an educated form of insolence.
Wit is educated insolence.
Aristotle’s quote on excellence
Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly.
Quality to become a good commander
He who has never learned to obey can not be a good commander.
Friendship comment by Aristotle
Friendship is essentially a partnership.
Source video of these quotes
Aristotle’s Philosophy Quotes in English
Aristotle’s life philosophy can help people change their perspectives to deal with life’s challenges.
Aristotle’s quote on Genius
No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness.
Aristotle’s Quotation on Teacher
The ones of educate children well are to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.
Aristotle’s quote on education
Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
Importance of Establish Peace
It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize peace.
Friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.
The distinction between literate and illiterate people
The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead.
Aristotle’s philosophy on the rule of law
The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.
Aristotle’s thinking on wealth
The life of money-making is undertaken under compulsion since wealth is not the good we desire and is merely helpful for the sake of something else.
Aristotle on Politics
Political science pays most of its pains on developing its citizens to be of good character and capable of noble deeds.
Aristotle Quotes About Love
In this section, we’ll explore Philosopher Aristotle’s quotes on love, which offer timeless wisdom on how love shapes our relationships and our lives.
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
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Aristotle beautifully describes love as something that goes beyond two separate people. It is a connection where two people unite, sharing a deep bond with understanding and respect. This phrase shows that, for Aristotle, true love and friendship are closely linked and support each other. |
“To love someone is to identify with them.”
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Aristotle describes love as a strong connection in which one person understands the other deeply. True love means feeling empathy, sharing the other person’s emotions and experiences, and supporting your bond. |
“Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.”
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Aristotle says that true friendship is shown during difficult times. While many people may call themselves friends when things are going well, real friends show loyalty and support when things are tough. They are available for you, even in challenging situations. |
“Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those to whom you can give it easily, but also to those who need it so much.”
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This quote encourages us to love those we easily connect with and those who need it more. It reflects Aristotle’s belief in goodness, showing that true love means caring for others, even those who may be unable to return the love, especially those who are helpless or less fortunate. |
“For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first.”
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Aristotle points out that loyalty to the truth should be more important than loyalty to friends. While friendships are important, our commitment to truth and honesty should always come first, as they are the basis of living a good and genuine life. |
“Love is the cause of unity in all things.”
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Aristotle sees love as a strong force that brings people, visions, and parts of life together. Love, peace, and unity are created by joining different things. |
“Wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love.”
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Aristotle compares the inspiration behind people’s actions. He suggests that evil people are motivated by fear of consequences, while honest people act out of love and respect for what is right. True morality comes from love, not from the fear of punishment. |
“The pleasure of the eye is the beginning of love. For no one loves if he has not first been delighted by the form of the beloved; but he who delights in the form of another does not, for all that, love her, but only does do when he also longs for her when absent and craves for her presence.”
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Aristotle suggests that love starts with physical attraction, but true love goes beyond just looking good. Love is only experienced when you sincerely want the other person’s presence, even when they are not around. |
“The one who has the highest love will show the most patience.”
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Aristotle indicates that true love involves patience. The stronger the love, the more willing someone is to face challenges and wait for the best result, showing steady commitment and understanding in their relationship. |
“The more you know, the more you are able to love.”
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Aristotle means that knowledge helps us understand and sympathize with others, which allows us to love more completely. The more we learn about others, the better we can admire them and connect with them more deeply. |
Famous Aristotle Quotes on Life
Have you ever considered what makes a good life? In this section, you’ll see famous quotes by Aristotle about living meaningfully and happily.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”– Apology (Plato’s recounting of Socrates’ words, which Aristotle would have agreed with in spirit)
“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” – Nicomachean Ethics
“The good for man is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.”– Nicomachean Ethics
“A life without festivity is like a long journey without a rest stop.”
“Life is the soul’s participation in the world.”
“The aim of life is to live in agreement with nature.”
“The life of an individual is an act of self-realization, the actualization of his potential.”
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
“The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.”
“He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.”
Famous Aristotle Quotes on Courage and Fear
Here are Aristotle’s well-known quotes on bravery and fear. His insights remind us that true courage comes from within.
“Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.” – Aristotle
“Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities.” – Aristotle
“Bad people…are in conflict with themselves; they desire one thing and will another, like the incontinent who choose harmful pleasures instead of what they themselves believe to be good.”― Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
“All persons ought to endeavor to follow what is right, and not what is established.” – Aristotle
“We acquire a particular quality by acting in a particular way.” – Aristotle
Thoughtful Aristotle Quotes on Mindset
Have you ever wondered about the power of your mindset? This section of the blog post contains the best ideas of Aristotle’s life and how our thoughts can influence our actions.
“Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” – Aristotle
“Whatsoever that be within us that feels, thinks, desires, and animates, is something celestial, divine, and, consequently, imperishable.”
“The whole is more than the sum of its parts.”
“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.”
“The high-minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think.”
Aristotle Quotes on Happiness
Have you ever wondered what truly brings happiness? In this section, Aristotle’s quote about happiness teaches us that joy comes from living well and doing good with others.
“Happiness does not lie in amusement; it would be strange if one were to take trouble and suffer hardship all one’s life in order to amuse oneself”― Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work”
“The happy life is thought to be one of excellence; now an excellent life requires exertion, and does not consist in amusement. If Eudaimonia, or happiness is activity in accordance with excellence, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest excellence; and this will be that of the best thing in us.”
“Whoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god.”
“Happiness is the settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.”
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.”
“Happiness is an expression of the soul in considered actions.”
“Different men seek after happiness in different ways and by different means, and so make for themselves different modes of life and forms of government.”
“The activity of happiness must occupy an entire lifetime; for one swallow does not a summer make.”
Philosopher Aristotle Quotes on Education
In this section, Aristotle shares his views on education. Learn how his ideas highlight the importance of knowledge and lifelong learning.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
“The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead.”
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.”
“Education is the best provision for old age.”
“Wit is educated insolence.”
“All men by nature desire knowledge.”
“The habits we form from childhood make no small difference, but rather they make all the difference.”
“Education and morals will be found almost the whole that goes to make a good man.”
“Life in accordance with intellect is best and pleasantest, since this, more than anything else, constitutes humanity.”
Aristotle Quotes About Friendship
Here, you’ll find Aristotle’s wisdom on friendship. His words remind us that strong and supportive relationships are key to a fulfilling and happy life.
“My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.”
“All friendly feelings toward others come from the friendly feelings a person has for himself.”
“The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend.”
“Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.”
“In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.”
“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.”
“For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first.”
“When people are friends, they have no need of justice, but when they are just, they need friendship in addition.”
“Friends are an aid to the young, to guard them from error; to the elderly, to attend to their wants and to supplement their failing power of action; to those in the prime of life, to assist them to noble deeds.”
“Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good, and alike in excellence; for these wish well alike to each other qua good, and they are good in themselves.”
Aristotle Quotes Excellence
Have you ever thought about what it takes to be excellent? In this section, Aristotle quotes on excellence show us that greatness is a result of hard work and discipline.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”. – Aristotle
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Aristotle emphasizes that excellence is not something you achieve once but a result of regular action. As he said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” By making good actions and disciplined behavior part of our daily lives, we shape our character and live a life of excellence. |
“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.” – Nicomachean Ethics
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Aristotle points out that excellence is not something we are born with but a skill that must be developed through practice and repetition. By building good habits and training ourselves, we can learn honest behavior, making excellence a natural result of consistent effort. |
“Excellence is the best way to achieve happiness.” – Nicomachean Ethics
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Aristotle argues that true happiness comes from living a life of excellence. We find fulfillment and joy when we make virtuous intentions and work on personal growth. Excellence leads to a flourishing life that is deeply satisfying. |
“The excellence of a man is not what he is in a moment, but what he consistently does over time.”
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Aristotle emphasizes that true excellence is not measured by one single action but by the overall effect of our habits and decisions over time. The continuous effort to make good choices and grow morally defines a person’s excellence. |
“A good character is not enough for the highest excellence; it must also be demonstrated through actions.”
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Aristotle points out that having good character alone is insufficient to achieve excellence. It must be shown through our actions and choices. True excellence is explained by moral qualities and how we apply them in our daily lives. |
FAQs:
Aristotle was the most influential ancient Greek Philosopher and Scientist who lived from 384 BCE to 322 BCE.
The main discovery of Aristotle is that he tells us how to think deeply about the hidden questions in life
Aristotle was the student of the great philosopher Plato. The legendary conqueror Alexander the Great was the student of Aristotle.
Aristotle is known for significantly contributing to multiple areas, such as reasoning, politics, morals, and science.
Aristotle died in 322 BCE at the age of 62 on the island (Euboea) of Greece. It is said that he passed away from natural causes, but the actual reason for his death is not known to date.
Aristotle picked up his pen on various topics and wrote about 200 books that covered subjects like philosophy, science, logic, biology, physics, and many more.
One of Aristotle’s most inspiring quotes is:
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
This quotation indicates that success doesn’t come from one big action but from making good day-to-day choices. It’s all about building habits that lead to a better life.
Here are three well-known quotes by Socrates:
- “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
- “I know that I am intelligent because I know nothing.”
- “To find yourself, think for yourself.”
These quotations teach us the importance of thinking deeply, learning, and being independent.
Aristotle’s most famous idea is “Virtue Ethics.”
He believed living a good life means practicing honesty and courage. This approach helps us live in a balanced way, which leads to true happiness.
One great philosophical quote comes from Socrates:
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
It reminds us to reflect on our lives, ask questions, and search for deeper meaning to understand ourselves truly.
Final Thought
Aristotelian quotations on love, life, friendship, happiness, and excellence offer valuable lessons that still resonate today. His quotes encourage us to build meaningful relationships, embrace personal growth, and aim for excellence through consistent effort.
Aristotle believed that true happiness comes from living a life of virtue, kindness, and understanding. His thoughts on love and friendship remind us that these qualities form the foundation of a fulfilling life.
Aristotle’s teachings inspire us to live more purposefully and with purpose, whether it’s the importance of knowledge, the power of love, or the pursuit of excellence. Let his timeless wisdom guide you in your journey toward a better life.
What are your favorite Aristotelian phrases that motivate you?
Could you share it in the comments section below? I’d love to hear from you.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
