Book 2 / Chapter 4
Paragraph 5 - Action Over Theory in Philosophy
Explanation - Part By Part
"But most people do not do these, but take refuge in theory and think they are being philosophers and will become good in this way, behaving somewhat like patients who listen attentively to their doctors, but do none of the things they are ordered to do."
Aristotle is pointing out that most people tend to focus on theoretical knowledge or ideas about virtue, thinking that simply learning or philosophizing about being good will automatically make them good individuals. However, this is an illusion. He compares this behavior to patients who attentively listen to their doctors' advice but don’t actually follow through with what they are told to do. Just as ignoring the doctor’s orders won’t improve one’s physical health, merely understanding virtue in theory without taking action won’t improve one’s character or moral health.
"As the latter will not be made well in body by such a course of treatment, the former will not be made well in soul by such a course of philosophy."
Aristotle is drawing a sharp parallel here: just as a sick person won’t get better by merely listening to a doctor’s advice without actually following it, a person’s soul won’t grow virtuous or morally "healthy" just by thinking about or studying philosophy without putting it into action. In other words, action is indispensable. Simply knowing what is virtuous or just won't automatically make someone virtuous or just; you have to live it, practice it, and embody it in your daily choices.