We Do Not Labor That We May Be Idle

October 10, 2017

1–2 minutes

From Nicomachean Ethics, c. 350 B.C.
By Aristotle

pbuts1n3 We do not labor that we may be idle; but, as Anarchis justly said, we are idle that we may labor with more effect; that is, we have recourse to sports and amusements as refreshing cordials after contentious exertions, that, having reposed in such diversions for a while, we may recommence our labors with increased vigor. The weakness of human nature requires frequent remissions of energy; but these rests and pauses are only the better to prepare us for enjoying the pleasures of activity. The amusements of life, therefore, are but preludes to its buiness, the place of which they cannot possibly supply; and its happiness, because its business, consists in the exercise of those virtuous energies which constitute the worth and diginity of our nature. Inferior pleasures may be enjoyed by the fool and the slave as completely as by the hero or the sage. But who will ascribe the happiness of a man to him, who by his character and condition, is disqualified for manly pursuits?

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Agency, Aristotle, Personal Development, Virtue

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4 responses to “We Do Not Labor That We May Be Idle”

Sword of Apollo

October 14, 2017 at 8:02 pm

I like the quote, but I don’t think it actually comes from Aristotle. I’ve googled it and only came up with one book, “The Art of Manliness,” as a source. I’ve searched through both the Nicomachean Ethics and the Eudemian Ethics, and I can’t find it.

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1. chasethekangaroo
  
  October 14, 2017 at 11:39 pm
  
  I did the same and pulled it from AOM. I’m curious if there are different versions of the Nicomachean Ethics? AOM is pretty thorough in his research. However, I couldn’t find find it through Google either.
  
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  1. Sword of Apollo
    
    October 20, 2017 at 8:48 pm
    
    There aren’t different versions of the Nicomachean Ethics, as far as I’m aware. The quote might have come from some other author commenting on Aristotle, and been mistaken for a quote from Aristotle. But the quote isn’t really characteristic of Aristotle’s attitude toward work. He didn’t really see productive work and money-making as particularly important or noble. In the end, he basically says that the best kind of life is one primarily spent in philosophical contemplation.
    
    I think you may find this episode of the Elucidations podcast of interest: Episode 50: Greg Salmieri discusses the Aristotelian good life and productive work. I also recommend Dr. Salmieri’s later episode on the ethics of Ayn Rand, (Episode 73.)
    
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  2. chasethekangaroo
    
    October 20, 2017 at 10:43 pm
    
    Thanks for the info and the podcast link.
    
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