Book 9 / Chapter 8
Paragraph 1 - Self-Love vs Altruism
Explanation - Part By Part
"The question is also debated, whether a man should love himself most, or some one else."
Aristotle is diving into a timeless philosophical question: Should a person prioritize self-love or place their love and care primarily on others? This debate challenges the balance between self-interest and altruism, questioning whether it is virtuous to care for oneself above all or to focus more on others. It sets the stage for exploring how self-love can either lead to self-centeredness, which is criticized, or stand as a foundation for virtuous and ethical behavior. The idea is to examine what kind of self-love is healthy and justifiable versus one that is selfish and blameworthy.
"People criticize those who love themselves most, and call them self-lovers, using this as an epithet of disgrace, and a bad man seems to do everything for his own sake, and the more so the more wicked he is-and so men reproach him, for instance, with doing nothing of his own accord-while the good man acts for honour's sake, and the more so the better he is, and acts for his friend's sake, and sacrifices his own interest."
Aristotle is reflecting on how people generally view self-love and differentiating between two types of character. He points out that society often criticizes those who seem to love themselves above all, labeling them as selfish or "self-lovers" in a negative sense. This is particularly true for those who act purely out of self-interest or for personal gain. Such individuals are often seen as morally corrupt, and their actions—guided only by selfish motives—are perceived as dishonorable.
On the other hand, Aristotle contrasts this with how a virtuous or good person behaves. A virtuous person considers honor and relationships with others more important than their own personal advantage. They prioritize the well-being of their friends or community above their own desires. Sacrificing their own interests for the sake of others or a greater good is a hallmark of noble character. In essence, Aristotle is highlighting that self-love can be viewed negatively when it is selfish, but there is an implicit suggestion that true goodness involves a form of selflessness.