And happiness is thought to depend on leisure; for we are busy that we may have leisure, and make war that we may live in peace.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Happiness depends on having free time. We work and fight wars to secure the peace and leisure needed for a good life.
- In plain terms
- We work so we can rest, and fight so we can live peacefully.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize creating time for meaningful rest.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you do with your free time?
- Is peace worth the cost of war?
Another view
It assumes leisure is inherently better than activity.
More from Aristotle
After these matters we ought perhaps next to discuss pleasure. For it is thought to be most intimately connected with our human nature, which is the reason why…
Permalink to quote #59 Now the activity of the practical virtues is exhibited in political or military affairs, but the actions concerned with these seem to be unleisurely. Warlike a…
Permalink to quote #61 When people are friends, they have no need of justice, but when they are just, they need friendship in addition.
Permalink to quote #58
Related quotes
'...it is not when he is working in his office but when he is lying idly on the sand that his soul utters, 'Life is beautiful.'' (p. 2)
Lin YutangLin Yutang quote #1 Is not true leisure One with true toil?
John Sullivan DwightJohn Sullivan Dwight quote #2 Pilots take no special joy in walking. Pilots like flying.
Neil ArmstrongNeil Armstrong quote #5