Book 1 / Chapter 6
Paragraph 1 - The Universal Good and the Pursuit of Truth
Explanation - Part By Part
"We had perhaps better consider the universal good and discuss thoroughly what is meant by it, although such an inquiry is made an uphill one by the fact that the Forms have been introduced by friends of our own."
In this part, Aristotle is saying that it’s time to take a closer look at the idea of the "universal good"—a concept that suggests there is one overarching, singular definition of what "good" means in all contexts. However, he acknowledges that this is going to be a challenging task. Why? Because the idea of the "Forms" (abstract, perfect ideals of things, like the "Form of the Good") has been introduced by people he knows and respects (his intellectual predecessors, particularly Plato and his followers). This respect makes it tricky to question their ideas, as they are personal associates or ideological "friends."
Still, for the sake of the conversation about what "good" truly means, Aristotle doesn't shy away from tackling even concepts that might have come from those he holds in high regard.
"Yet it would perhaps be thought to be better, indeed to be our duty, for the sake of maintaining the truth even to destroy what touches us closely, especially as we are philosophers or lovers of wisdom; for, while both are dear, piety requires us to honour truth above our friends."
This part emphasizes a core principle of philosophical inquiry: the responsibility to prioritize truth above personal attachments or loyalties, even when it might be uncomfortable or emotionally challenging. Aristotle is saying that, as philosophers (lovers of wisdom), our ultimate commitment should be to truth, even if it means questioning or "destroying" ideas or beliefs held by people we care about or respect deeply ("friends").
The act of seeking truth is portrayed not only as a philosophical duty but as an act of piety—a kind of reverence for something higher and more significant than personal relationships or attachments. For Aristotle, truth has a fundamental importance that overrides even the emotional bonds we might have with others. This doesn't mean disregarding or dismissing friends; rather, it reflects a willingness to engage critically with ideas, no matter their source, in the pursuit of what is right and true.