Book 10 / Chapter 1
Paragraph 1 - The Role of Pleasure in Human Nature and Ethics
Explanation - Part By Part
"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 in educating the young we steer them by the rudders of pleasure and pain; it is thought, too, that to enjoy the things we ought and to hate the things we ought has the greatest bearing on virtue of character."
Aristotle is highlighting the central role that pleasure and pain play in shaping human behavior and character. He observes that these two forces—what we enjoy and what we dislike—are deeply tied to our nature as humans. This is why they are powerful tools in education, especially for the young: we guide them toward good habits by encouraging them to find pleasure in the "right" things and feel aversion toward the "wrong" ones. According to Aristotle, this alignment between our emotional responses (pleasure and pain) and what is morally right or wrong is fundamental to developing virtue, which is the foundation of good character.
"For these things extend right through life, with a weight and power of their own in respect both to virtue and to the happy life, since men choose what is pleasant and avoid what is painful; and such things, it will be thought, we should least of all omit to discuss, especially since they admit of much dispute."
Aristotle is saying that pleasure and pain are fundamental forces in human life that influence our decisions and behaviors, shaping both our character and our pursuit of happiness. These forces are so powerful and universal that they affect us throughout our entire lives. Since they play a central role in how people act, strive for virtue, and aim for a fulfilling life, Aristotle believes it's absolutely necessary to examine and discuss them, especially because people have many conflicting opinions about what pleasure truly means and how it should be understood.
"For some say pleasure is the good, while others, on the contrary, say it is thoroughly bad-some no doubt being persuaded that the facts are so, and others thinking it has a better effect on our life to exhibit pleasure as a bad thing even if it is not; for most people (they think) incline towards it and are the slaves of their pleasures, for which reason they ought to lead them in the opposite direction, since thus they will reach the middle state."
Aristotle is pointing out that people have very different views about pleasure. Some argue that pleasure itself is the ultimate good—something we should aim for in life. Others go to the opposite extreme, claiming pleasure is completely bad. These critics may genuinely believe that pleasure is harmful, or they might advance this view strategically: they argue that treating pleasure as a bad thing even if it isn't entirely bad will encourage people to control their desires and avoid becoming slaves to their impulses. The reasoning behind this approach is that most people are naturally drawn to pleasure and tend to overindulge in it, so by pushing strongly against pleasure, they hope to guide people toward moderation—or a "middle state"—where balance and self-control are achieved.
"But surely this is not correct. For arguments about matters concerned with feelings and actions are less reliable than facts: and so when they clash with the facts of perception they are despised, and discredit the truth as well; if a man who runs down pleasure is once seen to be alming at it, his inclining towards it is thought to imply that it is all worthy of being aimed at; for most people are not good at drawing distinctions."
Aristotle is pointing out a critical flaw in how some people argue about pleasure. He suggests that arguments about emotions and actions (like pleasure) are less dependable than facts. When these arguments contradict the reality of how people actually perceive or experience pleasure, they lose credibility and make the truth seem less believable. For example, if someone claims that pleasure is bad but is later caught pursuing it themselves, this contradiction makes it seem like pleasure might actually be worth pursuing. The issue, according to Aristotle, is that most people aren't skilled at identifying subtle differences in these complex matters, so they tend to oversimplify or misinterpret such situations.
"True arguments seem, then, most useful, not only with a view to knowledge, but with a view to life also; for since they harmonize with the facts they are believed, and so they stimulate those who understand them to live according to them."
Aristotle is emphasizing the importance of arguments and ideas that align with reality, or facts. He is saying that arguments that are true—meaning they accurately reflect reality—aren't just beneficial for expanding knowledge or understanding abstract concepts; they are also incredibly useful for practical living. When arguments resonate with what people can observe and experience, they are more likely to be trusted and accepted. This, in turn, motivates people to actually live their lives in accordance with these arguments, because they see their truth reflected in the world around them.
Essentially, Aristotle is highlighting the power of truth to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. If people believe an argument is based on reality, they are more likely to incorporate it into how they live.
"-Enough of such questions; let us proceed to review the opinions that have been expressed about pleasure."
Aristotle concludes this section by signaling a shift to the next step: examining the various opinions people have about pleasure. Essentially, he suggests that after laying out why pleasure is deeply tied to human nature and its impact on virtue, happiness, and ethical behavior, the next logical move is to analyze the different perspectives about what pleasure really is and its role in life. This transition sets the stage for exploring both positive and negative arguments about pleasure and clarifying its relationship to living a virtuous and fulfilled life.