Book 10 / Chapter 7
Paragraph 3 - The Divine Life and Human Happiness
Explanation - Part By Part
"But such a life would be too high for man; for it is not in so far as he is man that he will live so, but in so far as something divine is present in him; and by so much as this is superior to our composite nature is its activity superior to that which is the exercise of the other kind of virtue."
Aristotle is talking about a type of life that is deeply focused on reason and contemplation—a life dedicated to understanding truth and aligning oneself with it. However, he acknowledges that this life might seem "too high" or beyond the ordinary human experience. Why? Because living such a life isn't something we can entirely achieve just as humans. Instead, it requires us to tap into what he calls the "divine" aspect of ourselves—the part of us that is capable of higher reasoning and wisdom.
This "divine element" in us, according to Aristotle, is more significant and elevated than the other parts of our nature, like our emotions or physical desires. In the same way, the activity (or way of living) associated with this divine part—thinking deeply, seeking truth, and acting wisely—is superior to the virtues we practice in everyday life, like courage or justice, which are tied more directly to human relationships and concerns.
In short, Aristotle is making a distinction here between a life that is rooted in our full human experience, with all its complexities, and a life that aspires to something higher, almost transcendent, by engaging our most divine and rational capacities.
"If reason is divine, then, in comparison with man, the life according to it is divine in comparison with human life."
Aristotle is saying that if reason (our ability to think deeply, understand, and contemplate) is considered divine—meaning it's something extraordinary and noble—then living a life guided by reason could also be seen as "divine" when compared to a more ordinary, human-centered life focused on basic needs or worldly concerns. He’s emphasizing how elevating our lives through reason aligns us with something higher or greater than just our everyday human existence. It's almost like striving to connect with the best part of ourselves, the part that transcends the mundane.
"But we must not follow those who advise us, being men, to think of human things, and, being mortal, of mortal things, but must, so far as we can, make ourselves immortal, and strain every nerve to live in accordance with the best thing in us; for even if it be small in bulk, much more does it in power and worth surpass everything."
Aristotle is making a bold claim here: that we shouldn't limit ourselves to thinking and acting only in ways that align with our human, everyday concerns or our transient, mortal nature. Instead, we should strive to elevate ourselves to something greater—something akin to the divine. Specifically, this involves living in harmony with the "best thing" in us: our reason or intellect.
While our capacity for reason might seem small or insignificant when compared to the entirety of who we are (our emotions, desires, physical needs, etc.), it vastly outweighs everything else in terms of its value and potential. In other words, reason has the ability to connect us with higher, timeless truths and a deeper sense of fulfillment, transcending the ordinary concerns of life. So, Aristotle is urging us to stretch ourselves to live in alignment with this higher, divine-like aspect of our nature. This, for him, is how we approach a kind of immortality—not in the literal sense of living forever, but in living a life that taps into something enduring and noble.
"This would seem, too, to be each man himself, since it is the authoritative and better part of him. It would be strange, then, if he were to choose not the life of his self but that of something else."
Aristotle is emphasizing here that the core, or the "authoritative and better part" of a person, is their rational mind—their ability to reason and think deeply. He argues that this rational aspect is what truly defines a person, so it would be odd or contradictory for someone to deliberately choose a life that doesn't prioritize or align with this essential part of who they are. In simpler terms, he’s saying, "Your best self is your rational, thoughtful self, so why would you live a life that ignores or sidelines that?" For Aristotle, living in accordance with reason is not just natural—it’s the most fulfilling and meaningful way to live.
"'And what we said before' will apply now; that which is proper to each thing is by nature best and most pleasant for each thing; for man, therefore, the life according to reason is best and pleasantest, since reason more than anything else is man."
Aristotle is reiterating a key point he's made earlier: every being finds the most fulfillment and happiness in doing what it is inherently designed or best suited to do. For humans, our unique capability is reason—the ability to think, reflect, and understand. This sets us apart from other beings. Since reason is what defines us most as humans, living a life guided by reason—seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding—is not only what’s most natural to us but also what brings the greatest joy and satisfaction. In essence, Aristotle argues that living thoughtfully and rationally is the highest, most fulfilling path a human can take.
"This life therefore is also the happiest."
Aristotle concludes this section by asserting that the life led in accordance with reason—the thoughtful, contemplative life—is the happiest life for a human being. Why? Because reason is the most defining and unique feature of what it means to be human. He sees living according to reason as the most natural and fulfilling way to live because it aligns with our highest capabilities and purpose.
For Aristotle, happiness (eudaimonia) is not just about moments of pleasure or external success but about living in a way that allows us to fully realize our potential. Since reason is the best part of us, living a life centered on reason—by seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding—makes us truly happy. This happiness is not about fleeting emotions but a deep and ongoing state of flourishing, the ultimate goal of human life.