Book 10 / Chapter 7
Paragraph 1 - Happiness and the Highest Virtue
Explanation - Part By Part
"If happiness is activity in accordance with virtue, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest virtue; and this will be that of the best thing in us."
Aristotle is saying here that if true happiness comes from living a virtuous life, then it makes sense that the greatest happiness would stem from the highest form of virtue. This "highest virtue" is tied to the very best aspect of who we are—essentially, the part of us that defines our highest potential and purpose as human beings. To be truly happy, it's not enough to act in ways that are generally good; we must align ourselves with the most excellent and noble part of our nature.
"Whether it be reason or something else that is this element which is thought to be our natural ruler and guide and to take thought of things noble and divine, whether it be itself also divine or only the most divine element in us,"
Here, Aristotle is reflecting on what he considers the highest and most important part of human nature—the element that acts as our natural ruler and guide. He’s pointing out that there is something within us (likely referring to our ability to reason or think deeply) that helps us focus on what is noble, meaningful, and even divine. This element is what drives us to pursue higher, more significant goals rather than just chasing after basic pleasures or superficial achievements.
Now, Aristotle isn’t entirely settling the question of what this element is. He’s considering two possibilities:
1. Perhaps this element is reason itself—the capacity for rational thought and understanding.
2. Or perhaps it’s something even grander, maybe connected to the divine, or at least the closest thing to divine within human beings.
In either case, Aristotle is emphasizing that this “ruler within us” is what aligns us with everything that is most virtuous and elevated in life. It is, in essence, what makes humans capable of greatness and allows us to connect with truth and higher ideals.
"the activity of this in accordance with its proper virtue will be perfect happiness. That this activity is contemplative we have already said."
Aristotle is pointing out that true happiness—the ideal, perfect state of being happy—comes from living in a way that fully exercises the best aspect of ourselves. This involves living according to our "highest virtue," which he identifies as the ability to reason, especially when it's directed toward contemplation (thinking deeply about profound or meaningful things). In earlier parts of the text, Aristotle already argued that contemplation is the most refined and fulfilling activity a human being can engage in. So here, he's reinforcing the idea that the ultimate happiness comes from a life rooted in intellectual and contemplative excellence.