"He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god"
- Aristotle
About this Quote
Aristotle's quote from his work "Politics" captures an extensive contemplation on humanity and the social fabric that binds society. To translate this quote, we first require to comprehend Aristotle's views on human beings as inherently social creatures. According to Aristotle, humans are "political animals," implying that living within a society is inherent to human presence. This is rooted in the belief that people are not self-dependent alone and have natural dispositions towards community and cooperation.
The quote shows a dichotomy in between those who turn down social life and the rest of humanity. Aristotle recommends that if a person can live outdoors society or does not need society due to complete self-sufficiency, they should be either "a monster or a god." This dichotomy points at 2 extremes: the 'beast' represents primality, without reason or require for community, while the 'god' symbolizes supreme self-sufficiency and perfection, existing beyond human limitations or requirements.
By referring to a person as a "monster," Aristotle implies that eschewing social life for factors of incapability might line up one with animals, which act out of impulse and requirement rather than rationality and option. This highlights Aristotle's view that rationality and social interaction are intrinsic to humanity. On the other hand, explaining someone as a "god" if self-sufficiency is totally satisfied suggests a presence of complete autonomy, knowledge, and ability beyond human realms, comparable to divine entities.
This statement works as a philosophical expedition of the balance between individualism and collectivism. It suggests that complete withdrawal from society is unnatural for humans due to their intrinsic social and rational traits unless one goes beyond typical human conditions (as a 'god') or falls listed below them (as a 'beast'). Essentially, Aristotle highlights the midpoint of neighborhood to human life, indicating that most people depend upon each other to live fully and meaningfully. This quote motivates reflection on how self-sufficiency and community coexist and affect one's location within society.
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