Metaphysics

“By nature, all men long to know. An indication is their delight in the senses. For these, quite apart from their utility, are intrinsically delightful, and that through the eyes more than the others. For it is not only with a view to action but also when we have no intention to do anything that we choose, so to speak, sight rather than all the others. And the reason for this is that sight is the sense that especially produces cognition in us and reveals many distinguishing features of things.”

This quote uses vivid imagery to illustrate the intrinsic human desire for knowledge, presenting the senses, especially sight, as gateways to understanding the world. Aristotle employs metaphorical language to emphasize that this pursuit of knowledge is not just practical but also a source of pleasure, reflecting his belief in the innate human curiosity. The quote highlights a key theme in Aristotle’s philosophy: the natural inclination of humans toward learning and understanding, a foundational concept for his exploration of wisdom.

“It is clear, then, that wisdom is knowledge having to do with certain principles and causes.”

This quote encapsulates Aristotle’s view of wisdom as a form of knowledge that transcends mere factual understanding, digging into the underlying principles and causes of things. Through the use of clear and direct language, Aristotle emphasizes the importance of comprehending the “why” behind phenomena, not just the “what.” This statement underscores a central theme in his work: the pursuit of wisdom through the understanding of fundamental truths, setting the stage for his deeper philosophical inquiries.

“The investigation of the truth is in a way difficult and in a way easy. An indication is that no one can worthily reach it nor does everyone completely miss it, but each thinker says something about nature, and individually they make small contributions to it, and from them all together a certain volume arises.”

This quote captures Aristotle’s nuanced view of the pursuit of truth. He acknowledges the inherent complexity in understanding truth while suggesting that it is accessible to an extent, as evidenced by the collective contributions of thinkers.