Let’s see what the ancient Greek Philosopher had to say about life!
1. Pain Is Essential
Aristotle believed that to learn something important, one had to exert both physically and mentally. And many a times, this effort towards learning involved pain. He encouraged us to embrace this pain and see its bright side: the learning. Apart from the knowledge bit, Aristotle also thought that undergoing pain made one more resilient for what is to come. So what seemed like a very hurtful breakup back in the day is now your strength and guide in your current relationship. Happy Ho organizes best Meditation and Tarot classes in Noida and Delhi NCR area in India.
2. The Antidote To Fifty Enemies Is One Friend
You many have thousands of people against you but if you have just one friend who truly believes in you and your capabilities, then you can overcome anything in life. Aristotle realized the importance of having such a friend after he lost his student, Alexander The Great, to war.
3. Knowing Yourself Is The Starting Point For All The Wisdom
We may understand all there is to know about this world but if we do not understand who we are, then the entire task’s a failure. We must pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, emotions, likes, dislikes, hobbies in order to navigate better through the world.
4. Entertain Others’ Thoughts, Even If You Don’t Accept Them
It is always possible for us to listen and soak in somebody else’s thoughts without having to accept them. We must not outrightly reject what they think because it doesn’t match with what we believe in. We owe them the courtesy and respect to at least listen to their thoughts. And who knows we might end up polishing our own views in the process.
5. It Is During The Darkest Of The Times That We Must Focus On The Light
There is no time more apt than a dark and difficult one to be optimistic. We can see such times as troubling and feel bad about the situation. And after that is done we can focus on the good, the growth that is possible out of such a phase of life. And doing that takes a lot of courage and intent!
And now let’s look at his wise words for love!
People say, “I love my dog”, “I love chocolates”, “I love my wife”. Love and the relationships it helps build are a very essential part of everyday life. And there essential-ness traces itself back to the times of Aristotle, a philosopher who lived in ancient Greece. In today’s article, we’ll be looking at his perspective on relationships.
Aristotle talks about three kinds of relationships. These are:
Relationship of Pleasure
This happens when you and your partner are all about sex, drugs and partying. You share emotionless sex and laughter but your seemingly good chemistry exists only on the surface, things never go deep. It’s all about entertaining the body and not the soul. Such partners are basically sexmates or egomates and never become anything further. They can never help you achieve true happiness.
Relationship of Utility
This happens when you pick a partner primarily to use them for their money, power or beauty. A trophy wife or husband would be an apt example for this. Again, here it is more about fulfilling your materialistic or bodily needs. You are unable to look beyond their wallets or status or face. Such a relationship is very unlikely to bring you true happiness (because you aren’t looking for it either, right?)
Relationship of Shared Virtue
This happens when you and your partner are committed towards helping each other grow as a person. They are willing to read the chapters of the book that is you, understand what’s written and mark the bits where they can help you become better. Here the deal goes down to the level of the soul and is likely to bring authentic happiness. Such are the bonds of the heart, of love.
Have any thoughts on this classification or their explanation? Let us know in the comment section below!
