For pleasure is a state of soul, and to each man that which he is said to be a lover of is pleasant.... Now for most men their pleasures are in conflict with one another because these are not by nature pleasant, but the lovers of what is noble find pleasant the things that are by nature pleasant; and virtuous actions are such... Happiness then is the best, noblest, and most pleasant thing in the world, and these attributes are not severed as in the inscription at Delos: Most noble is that which is justest, and best is health; but pleasantest is it to win what we love.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Pleasure aligns with virtue for good people, and happiness combines the noble, best, and pleasant.
- In plain terms
- Good people find pleasure in noble things.
- What can you take from it?
- Align pleasure with virtue.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does what you love feel noble?
- Is pleasure part of happiness?
Another view
Not everyone agrees pleasure is essential to happiness.
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