The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life- knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A wise person avoids unnecessary danger because they value few things highly, but will risk death in a crisis if living under those conditions is worse than dying.
- In plain terms
- Avoid risk unless it matters more than staying safe.
- What can you take from it?
- Risk life only when living is worse than dying.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is life not worth living?
- What dangers are worth avoiding?
Another view
It assumes one can clearly judge when life is not worthwhile.
More from Aristotle
The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.
Permalink to quote #151 The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.
Permalink to quote #153 The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.
Permalink to quote #150
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