Book 3 / Chapter 2
Paragraph 5 - Differences Between Opinion and Choice
Explanation - Part By Part
"For this reason, too, it cannot be opinion; for opinion is thought to relate to all kinds of things, no less to eternal things and impossible things than to things in our own power; and it is distinguished by its falsity or truth, not by its badness or goodness, while choice is distinguished rather by these."
Aristotle is emphasizing that choice is not the same as opinion. Why? Because opinion deals with all kinds of ideas and topics — it can be about things that are eternal, hypothetical, impossible, or even outside our influence. For example, you can have an opinion about whether time travel is possible or what the best life might look like, even if you can't make those things happen.
However, opinion is judged based on whether it's true or false. By contrast, choice is much more personal and practical — it is about actions we take that are within our power. And importantly, choice is judged on whether it is good or bad, reflecting the moral or ethical quality of our decisions. So while opinions are more theoretical, choices are tied to real-life consequences and our character.