Book 10 / Chapter 8
Paragraph 3 - Contemplation and Happiness in Animals and Men
Explanation - Part By Part
"This is indicated, too, by the fact that the other animals have no share in happiness, being completely deprived of such activity."
Aristotle is pointing out here that animals, unlike humans, cannot experience true happiness because they lack the capacity for contemplation—the kind of deep, reflective thinking and intellectual activity that he believes is essential to achieving happiness. Animals live by instinct and immediate needs rather than engaging in higher forms of reasoning or understanding, which makes them unable to access this higher state of fulfillment. For Aristotle, such contemplative activity is unique to beings like humans (and gods) that are capable of intellectual thought.
"For while the whole life of the gods is blessed, and that of men too in so far as some likeness of such activity belongs to them, none of the other animals is happy, since they in no way share in contemplation."
Aristotle is pointing out that happiness is closely connected to contemplation, which is a uniquely human capacity among living beings. He explains that while the gods are entirely "blessed" because their lives are fully devoted to contemplation, humans can experience a form of happiness to the extent that they engage in a similar kind of activity (though at a more limited human level). However, animals, according to Aristotle, are incapable of engaging in such intellectual or contemplative activity. Because they lack this capacity, they cannot experience happiness in the way gods or humans potentially can. In other words, contemplation is what sets apart beings capable of true happiness from those that cannot achieve it.
"Happiness extends, then, just so far as contemplation does, and those to whom contemplation more fully belongs are more truly happy, not as a mere concomitant but in virtue of the contemplation; for this is in itself precious."
Aristotle is saying that happiness is closely tied to the capacity for contemplation—or deep intellectual and spiritual reflection. The more someone lives a life centered on contemplation, the happier they truly are. This happiness doesn’t come as just an incidental side effect (not as a mere concomitant); rather, it is directly because of contemplation itself, which is incredibly valuable and fulfilling in its own right. Essentially, happiness and contemplation are deeply connected, with contemplation being the essence of a truly happy life.
"Happiness, therefore, must be some form of contemplation."
Aristotle is concluding that true happiness—what he considers the highest and most fulfilling form of human existence—rests in the act of contemplation. For him, contemplation isn’t a passive or shallow activity; it involves deep engagement, reflection, and understanding, especially concerning truths about life, the universe, and ultimate reality. Contemplation connects us to what is most divine or excellent, whether it's about the nature of the world or higher philosophical and intellectual pursuits. He draws a clear link: the more deeply we engage in this contemplative activity, the closer we come to true, lasting happiness.