Book 10 / Chapter 5
Paragraph 2 - Pleasure and Activity
Explanation - Part By Part
"This may be seen, too, from the fact that each of the pleasures is bound up with the activity it completes."
Aristotle is saying that every activity has a specific pleasure inherently connected to it—this pleasure is closely tied to the nature of the activity itself. It isn’t random or interchangeable; rather, the pleasure arises naturally from engaging in the particular activity and fulfilling its purpose or goal. For example, the joy of solving a problem in mathematics belongs uniquely to the intellectual activity of mathematical thinking.
"For an activity is intensified by its proper pleasure, since each class of things is better judged of and brought to precision by those who engage in the activity with pleasure;"
Aristotle is essentially saying that when someone truly enjoys an activity, their enjoyment enhances the activity itself, making it more effective and precise. In other words, pleasure acts as a kind of fuel or amplifier for the activity, allowing the person to engage more deeply and skillfully in what they're doing. For example, if someone loves solving puzzles or equations, their enthusiasm for it helps them become better at it—they judge it more carefully and approach it with greater focus and precision. This connection between pleasure and activity explains why passion often leads to mastery.
"e.g. it is those who enjoy geometrical thinking that become geometers and grasp the various propositions better,"
Aristotle is saying that when someone enjoys an activity, like studying geometry, they tend to engage with it more deeply and skillfully. Because they find pleasure in the process, they are naturally more motivated to explore it, understand its principles, and refine their abilities. This enjoyment helps them grasp complex ideas and propositions with greater ease and accuracy, eventually making them proficient in the field. Essentially, pleasure fuels passion, and passion leads to mastery.
"and, similarly, those who are fond of music or of building, and so on, make progress in their proper function by enjoying it;"
Aristotle is saying that when people genuinely enjoy an activity—like playing music, designing buildings, or any other craft—they tend to get better at it. Their enjoyment deepens their focus and engagement, allowing them to refine their skills and grow in their craft. In essence, passion or pleasure in an activity isn't just a byproduct; it's a key factor in mastering it.
"so the pleasures intensify the activities, and what intensifies a thing is proper to it, but things different in kind have properties different in kind."
Aristotle is highlighting a connection between pleasures and the activities they are associated with. He argues that pleasure enhances or amplifies the particular activity it is tied to. For example, if someone deeply enjoys solving math problems, the pleasure they derive from it makes them work harder, focus better, and eventually improve their skills in mathematics. This shows that pleasure is "proper" or naturally fitting to the activity it supports.
Furthermore, he emphasizes that different activities have different kinds of pleasures tied to them because activities themselves differ in kind. For instance, the pleasure someone feels from listening to music is fundamentally different from the pleasure someone feels when they build something or engage in philosophical thinking. This is because these activities are fundamentally distinct, so their associated pleasures are also distinct.
In essence, Aristotle is saying that the type of pleasure connected to an activity is naturally suited to that activity, and activities and their pleasures differ depending on their nature.