Book 7 / Chapter 13
Paragraph 3 - The Universality of Pleasure as the Chief Good
Explanation - Part By Part
"And indeed the fact that all things, both brutes and men, pursue pleasure is an indication of its being somehow the chief good:"
Aristotle is pointing out that the universal pursuit of pleasure—whether by animals ("brutes") or humans—is a significant clue that pleasure is closely tied to the ultimate good, or what we might call true happiness or fulfillment. If all living beings naturally gravitate toward pleasure, it hints at the idea that pleasure, in some way, holds a fundamental place in what constitutes the "chief good" in life.
"No voice is wholly lost that many peoples... But since no one nature or state either is or is thought the best for all, neither do all pursue the same pleasure; yet all pursue pleasure."
Aristotle is making two important observations here. First, he suggests that the universal pursuit of pleasure by all creatures—both animals (brutes) and humans—is a sign that pleasure is deeply connected to the ultimate good or something essential to a fulfilled life. In other words, the fact that everyone seeks pleasure in some form indicates that it has a meaningful role in what we consider a good life.
However, he also points out that what counts as pleasure isn't the same for everyone. People have different natures, circumstances, and perspectives, so what feels like the "best pleasure" varies from person to person. Nonetheless, the fact remains: everyone is, at their core, striving for some kind of pleasure, even if they interpret or experience it differently. This underscores the universality of the human (and perhaps animal) drive for pleasure, while acknowledging its varied expressions.
"And perhaps they actually pursue not the pleasure they think they pursue nor that which they would say they pursue, but the same pleasure; for all things have by nature something divine in them."
Aristotle is suggesting here that while people (and even animals) might consciously believe they are pursuing different types of pleasures, they might actually be striving toward the same ultimate form of pleasure—one that is tied to something deeper and universal. This universal pursuit of pleasure could stem from what he considers a shared element of the "divine" present in all living beings by nature. In other words, there is a deeper, innate aspect of our being driving us toward a higher, more fundamental form of fulfillment, even if we don't always consciously recognize it or articulate it in the same way.
"But the bodily pleasures have appropriated the name both because we oftenest steer our course for them and because all men share in them; thus because they alone are familiar, men think there are no others."
Aristotle is pointing out that bodily pleasures—those related to physical sensations and desires—have taken over the concept of "pleasure" in everyday thinking. This has happened for two main reasons:
1. Frequency: People tend to focus on and pursue bodily pleasures the most. These are the pleasures we experience most often in life.
2. Universality: Bodily pleasures are something that everyone experiences, so they feel common and accessible to all, creating a shared understanding.
Because these physical pleasures are so familiar and tangible, people come to believe that these alone represent what "pleasure" is. They overlook or fail to consider other, perhaps deeper or more meaningful, forms of pleasure.