Book 10 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 7 - The Role of Law and Private Control in Education and Governance
Explanation - Part By Part
"It would seem from what has been said that he can do this better if he makes himself capable of legislating. For public control is plainly effected by laws, and good control by good laws; whether written or unwritten would seem to make no difference, nor whether they are laws providing for the education of individuals or of groups-any more than it does in the case of music or gymnastics and other such pursuits."
Aristotle is emphasizing the importance of laws in shaping and guiding society and individuals. He argues that someone who wants to help others—be it their children, friends, or a larger community—become virtuous and live well needs to understand how to make good laws. Good governance relies on good laws, and this applies broadly, whether the laws are written down or just customary (unwritten). It also doesn't matter whether these laws are aimed at individuals or groups because, just like in music or sports training (such as gymnastics), guidelines are necessary for achieving skill or excellence. Laws serve a similar purpose: they provide structure and direction to help people cultivate virtue and live properly.
"For as in cities laws and prevailing types of character have force, so in households do the injunctions and the habits of the father, and these have even more because of the tie of blood and the benefits he confers; for the children start with a natural affection and disposition to obey."
In this part, Aristotle is drawing a parallel between how cities are governed by laws and shared values, and how households are shaped by the rules and habits established by the head of the family, typically the father in his context. He suggests that the father's authority within the household might even carry more weight because of the natural bond of kinship and the tangible benefits the father provides to his children. This natural connection—built on familial affection and a child's tendency to trust and follow their parent—makes the father’s guidance particularly influential in shaping the character and behavior of the children.
"Further, private education has an advantage over public, as private medical treatment has; for while in general rest and abstinence from food are good for a man in a fever, for a particular man they may not be; and a boxer presumably does not prescribe the same style of fighting to all his pupils."
In this part, Aristotle is highlighting that private education can be more effective than public education because it can be tailored to individual needs, much like private medical care. He uses analogies to make this point clearer: for example, while general advice like resting and fasting might be beneficial for most people with a fever, it might not suit a specific individual. Similarly, a boxing coach doesn't teach all students the exact same techniques since each person's abilities and circumstances vary. In essence, personalized attention allows for more precise and effective guidance, ensuring that each person gets what works best for them.
"It would seem, then, that the detail is worked out with more precision if the control is private; for each person is more likely to get what suits his case."
Aristotle is saying that when it comes to guiding people toward virtuous and good behavior (like educating them in ethics or personal development), doing so on an individual, personal level is often more effective than broad, one-size-fits-all public methods. This is because individuals have unique needs, circumstances, and abilities. Just as a doctor gives different treatments based on a patient’s specific illness or a coach tailors techniques for each athlete, teaching or upbringing is more effective when it is customized to suit the person it’s intended for. Private, tailored guidance allows for greater precision in meeting someone’s specific needs and helping them reach their potential.