Book X By Aristotle

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In Nichomachean Ethics Book X, Aristotle discuses what makes a human being truly happy. He begins by analyzing pleasure, “for it is thought to be most intimately connected with our human nature.” (Aristotle 153) Aristotle claims that pleasure cannot be the good by using Plato’s conclusions on the subject. Plato stated that a pleasant livelihood is better with the addition of a good, such as wisdom. However, according to Plato, a good cannot be made more desirable with the addition of another good. Therefore, pleasure cannot be the good, since it was made more desirable with the addition of wisdom in this given situation.

Aristotle asserts that the good is desirable for its own sake, not for the sake of something else. Thus happiness

His claim that a life of theoretical activity is the best form of living somewhat contradicts itself, in terms of how Aristotle aims to achieve the best life. In order to achieve the basis, the foundation for such an existence where contemplation is the be all end all, a set of perfect circumstances must be in order. The justice system must be geared towards activities of excellence and must work against simple wants and pleasures. This level of development in a civilization requires that people engage in practical activities, and engage in acts of nobility and bravery. Selflessness on the part of the political leaders must be made in order ot make just laws that better the itizens rather than the ruler. Energy and efforts must be utilized for the training and upkeep peace keepers which uphold and enforce the law. Thus, Aristotle’s claim that practical acts of excellence, such as these examples, are inferior to theoretical activities, is incorrect. Practical activity is required in order to create the necessary conditions for virtuous acts such as contemplation and wisdom to occur. Thus, these practical acts aimed at creating contemplation are just as worthy and excellent as the life of theoretical activity itself. Aristotle understands this to a certain extent, as he strongly advocates for righteousness in legislation and leadership, but he still nonetheless places