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About this quote

What does it mean?
The most important virtues are those that help others.
In plain terms
Best virtues are ones that are useful to other people.
What can you take from it?
Virtue is highest when it serves others.

Where it applies

  • moral judgment
  • community service
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • prioritize helping others
  • evaluate virtues by impact

Questions to consider

  • What makes a virtue good?
  • Is helping always best?

Another view

Some virtues like self-control may not directly help others.

More from Aristotle

  1. The good of man must be the end of the science of politics.

    Permalink to quote #138
  2. The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.

    Permalink to quote #140
  3. The gods too are fond of a joke.

    Permalink to quote #137

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