Book 7 / Chapter 12
Paragraph 7 - The Misconception of Pleasure in Temperance and Wisdom
Explanation - Part By Part
"The arguments based on the grounds that the temperate man avoids pleasure and that the man of practical wisdom pursues the painless life, and that children and the brutes pursue pleasure, are all refuted by the same consideration."
Aristotle is tackling certain arguments or assumptions about pleasure and how different types of people approach it. First, there's the claim that a temperate man (someone who exercises self-control) avoids all pleasure. Second, there's the idea that a man of practical wisdom seeks a life devoid of pain rather than one filled with pleasure. Lastly, it's said that children and animals instinctively chase after pleasure. Aristotle counters these arguments by showing they all depend on misunderstanding the nature of pleasure and its role in life. Thus, they can all be dismissed for the same reason.
"We have pointed out in what sense pleasures are good without qualification and in what sense some are not good;"
Aristotle is saying that not all pleasures are universally or absolutely good. Some pleasures are "good without qualification," meaning they are inherently good and contribute positively to our well-being and flourishing as humans. However, not all pleasures fall into this category—there are certain kinds of pleasures that are not inherently good and may even lead to harm or excess if pursued unwisely. These distinctions are crucial for living a virtuous and balanced life, where one seeks pleasures that truly benefit them and align with reason and virtue.
"now both the brutes and children pursue pleasures of the latter kind (and the man of practical wisdom pursues tranquil freedom from that kind), viz. those which imply appetite and pain, i.e. the bodily pleasures"
Aristotle is making a distinction between different kinds of pleasures here. He points out that both animals ("brutes") and children tend to chase after bodily pleasures—pleasures tied to physical desires, cravings, or appetites, like eating or drinking. These pleasures are often linked to cycles of need and relief, such as hunger and satisfaction. Essentially, bodily pleasures are not just about enjoyment but are often accompanied by some form of pain or discomfort (like hunger or thirst) that is being alleviated.
On the other hand, a man of practical wisdom—someone rational and self-aware—seeks a more balanced and peaceful state. This person's goal isn’t to indulge in these bodily pleasures but to rise above the cycle of appetite and pain. He aims for a life of tranquility and freedom from the disturbances caused by these desires. For Aristotle, this represents a more refined way of living, contrasting with the habits of those who are impulsively driven by their immediate physical urges.
Ultimately, Aristotle suggests that while bodily pleasures might appeal to us naturally, they aren't the highest kind of pleasure or the ones we should consistently prioritize.
"(for it is these that are of this nature) and the excesses of them, in respect of which the self-indulgent man is self-indulgent."
Aristotle is explaining that bodily pleasures—things like eating, drinking, or other pleasures that satisfy physical appetites—have a certain nature: they are tied closely to desires (or appetites) and often bring pain when those desires are not fulfilled. While these bodily pleasures can be normal or necessary in moderation, they can also become excessive. These excesses are what characterize a self-indulgent person, someone who gives in too much to their appetites and seeks these pleasures beyond what is reasonable or healthy. So, self-indulgence isn't just about enjoying bodily pleasures; it's about overindulging in them to the point where it harms one's character or well-being.
"This is why the temperate man avoids these pleasures; for even he has pleasures of his own."
Aristotle is saying that a person who is "temperate" (self-controlled or moderate) avoids certain kinds of pleasures—not because they reject all pleasure, but because they prefer more meaningful or balanced pleasures that align with their sense of virtue and reason. The temperate person isn’t denying themselves joy or satisfaction altogether; they simply steer clear of excessive bodily pleasures or those tied to uncontrolled urges, as these can lead to imbalance or harm.
In simpler terms, the temperate person recognizes that some pleasures are unhealthy or fleeting, and they choose instead to focus on pleasures that bring long-term happiness or harmony in life.