Book 7 / Chapter 4
Paragraph 4 - The Nature of Self-Indulgence
Explanation - Part By Part
"This is why we should describe as self-indulgent rather the man who without appetite or with but a slight appetite pursues the excesses of pleasure and avoids moderate pains,"
Aristotle is saying that a truly self-indulgent person is not just someone who gives in to their strong cravings or desires (because it might be harder to resist when the urge is intense). Instead, a self-indulgent person is someone who chases excessive pleasure or avoids even small discomforts even when they don't have a strong natural craving for pleasure or pain relief. In other words, their behavior isn't driven by overwhelming impulses but by a deliberate disregard for moderation and self-control.
"than the man who does so because of his strong appetites; for what would the former do, if he had in addition a vigorous appetite, and a violent pain at the lack of the 'necessary' objects?"
Aristotle is making an important distinction here. He argues that someone who seeks excessive pleasures or avoids moderate discomforts without having strong cravings (or appetite) is actually more self-indulgent than someone who does so due to overpowering desires or needs. Why? Because the first person is acting in this way even though their desires are mild or nonexistent. This reveals a deeper flaw in their character—they're behaving excessively for no compelling reason.
Aristotle then poses a thought-provoking question: if this person, who already overindulges without strong cravings, did have intense desires or painful necessities driving their behavior, how much worse would their actions be? Essentially, he's saying that their self-restraint (or lack of it) would spiral even further out of control. This highlights an internal deficiency in their ability to regulate their behavior and make rational choices.