Book 3 / Chapter 8
Paragraph 7 - Anger and Courage in Men and Beasts
Explanation - Part By Part
"Men, then, as well as beasts, suffer pain when they are angry, and are pleased when they exact their revenge;"
Aristotle is emphasizing a basic human and animal instinct: when people or animals become angry, it's often tied to some form of pain or suffering they've experienced. Their anger stems from feeling hurt or wronged, and they find satisfaction or relief when they retaliate or gain revenge. This reaction is a natural and instinctive response to pain, shared by both humans and animals.
"those who fight for these reasons, however, are pugnacious but not brave;"
This part is making a distinction between two kinds of behavior that might look similar on the surface but are fundamentally different in their motivation. Aristotle is saying that people who fight because they are consumed by anger or strong emotions (pugnacious, meaning combative or prone to fighting) aren't truly brave. Their actions are driven by an impulse or passion, not by a higher purpose like pursuing honor or doing what is morally right. True bravery, in Aristotle's view, must involve conscious choice and moral reasoning—not just raw emotion pushing a person into action.
"for they do not act for honour's sake nor as the rule directs, but from strength of feeling;"
Aristotle is explaining that true courage is based on acting according to a sense of honor and following the right principles or "the rule." People (and animals) who act primarily because of strong emotions, like anger or the need for revenge, are not truly courageous. Their actions are driven by an overwhelming intensity of feeling rather than a thoughtful, honorable choice aligned with virtue. In essence, they may appear brave on the surface, but their motives lack the higher moral purpose that defines genuine courage.
"they have, however, something akin to courage."
Aristotle is making a distinction here. He acknowledges that these individuals—whether people or animals—who act out of intense emotions like anger or passion may exhibit behavior that resembles courage. Their actions may appear bold or fearless, but crucially, their motivation isn't rooted in the pursuit of a higher, noble purpose like honor. Instead, their actions stem from raw emotion or instinct, not from a deliberate, virtuous choice to do what is right or just.
So, while such behavior might seem similar to true courage on the surface, it lacks the essential qualities that define real bravery according to Aristotle's ethical framework—namely, rational choice and moral intent.