

“The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.” – Aristotle Here are 125 famous quotes from Aristotle: There, he passed away due to an illness in 322 BC. The discovery of this manuscript in Egypt in 1890 shed light on the nature and character of Athenian democracy as practiced in the time of Aristotle.įrom Athens, Aristotle returned to his mother’s home in Chalcis. One of the most significant is the Constitution of the Athenians which formed part of a large collection of Constitutions collected and analyzed by Aristotle and his students. There is a second group of writings made up of scientific and historical material. They were written for the public and dealt with themes on philosophy, although these surviving works are likely considered lecture notes instead of literature. Some of his most important works that survived include Rhetoric, On Philosophy, Eudemus, Wealth, and On Prayer. His earliest pieces consisted mostly of dialogues, or writings that were like conversations. He also continued writing, polishing his earlier works and expanding on new writings.Īristotle was a prolific writer but only a few of his writings survived. Aristotle housed his collection of books as well as scientific instruments in this very building.Īside from mentoring his students, he continued doing lectures before the public in the same manner of teaching he learned at Plato’s Academy. It was also known for its unconventional architecture which had been dubbed Peripatos, which meant hall for strolls and discussions. It became a learning center that welcomed everyone. He returned to Athens and established his own academy close to Mount Lycabettus. There are no mentions of the boy in his works though, except for fragments of a letter, wherein he urged the young Alexander to rule the Greeks and become the master of the nations he conquered.Īlexander died when Aristotle was nearly 50. He was employed by King Philip of Macedon to tutor his 13-year-old son, Alexander, the future Alexander the Great. In 345 BC, Aristotle made his way to Mytilene in Lesbos. They had a daughter named after her mother, and a son whom he named after his father, Nicomachus. He married Pythias, the niece of his friend. Although far from home, he continued to pursue his studies in philosophy, as well as the sciences. There, he stayed for five years as a guest of the ruler. His friendship with the Macedonians did not sit well with the rulers of Athens. He was said to be well-versed in the philosophies of sophists, and in the works of medical writers and Greek poets.įollowing Plato’s death, a 38-year-old Aristotle fled Athens because of the growing political unrest. He could deliver them clearly without failing to captivate his audiences.Īristotle was also always open to learning other disciplines, ones that were taught way beyond the walls of his school. Aristotle was particularly known for delivering exceptional speeches. He also started his drafts on physics, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and rhetoric. He began to use the blackboard in his lectures, astronomical charts, and other various instruments. The founder of the Academy, Plato, was 45 years older, but that did not put the young Aristotle at a disadvantage. They were some of the most influential thinkers of their era. Over the next two decades, Aristotle immersed himself in the works of Xenocrates, Speusippus, and Eudoxus. The Academy was a renowned institute of higher learning, where people flocked to study as well as to teach. Later in life, Aristotle would write fine Greek prose, the legacy of his guardian-mentor.Īt 17 years old, he was forced to leave his home due to brewing hostilities in the court and went to study under the tutelage of the famous philosopher, Plato, in Athens. He taught Aristotle Greek, rhetoric, and poetry, complementing the biological lessons imparted by his father. Since his mother died earlier, he was brought up by a guardian, Proxenus of Atarneus. His father Nicomachus was a court physician to King Amyntus III of Macedonia.Īristotle was only 10 years old when he died. He continued to make significant contributions in logic, metaphysics, mathematics, biology, botany, ethics, medicine, agriculture, theater, and dance.Īristotle was born in Stagira, Greece in 384 BC to parents who were practitioners of medicine.

Even after new thinkers emerged centuries after his death, his concepts have remained at the core of western thought.

He lived his life simply, and he was involved with the great political leaders of his time. He authored philosophical and scientific systems that have influenced both Christian and Islamic thought from the medieval period to the end of the 17 th century. Aristotle, more than any other philosopher in history, has determined the direction and content of Western thought.
