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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Aristotle claims that anyone who does not need society is either inhuman or divine.
- In plain terms
- Only beasts or gods can live completely alone.
- What can you take from it?
- Humans inherently need society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much do you depend on others?
- Is true self sufficiency possible?
Another view
Some individuals thrive in isolation or have unique capacities.
More from Aristotle
Nature does nothing uselessly.
Permalink to quote #13 Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all.
Permalink to quote #15 Man is by nature a political animal.
Permalink to quote #12
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