Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
Hence intellect[ual perception] is both a beginning and an end, for the demonstrations arise from these, and concern them. As a result, one ought to pay attention to the undemonstrated assertions and opinions of experienced and older people, or of the prudent, no less than to demonstrations, for, because the have an experienced eye, they see correctly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Intellectual perception is fundamental for understanding, emphasizing the value of wisdom from experienced individuals.
This quote by Aristotle highlights the importance of both intellectual reasoning and the insights gained from experience. It suggests that understanding is not solely derived from logical demonstrations but also from listening to the wisdom of those who have lived through various experiences. The knowledge of older, prudent individuals should be valued equally to theoretical knowledge, as their lived experiences provide profound insights.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about decision-making, one might quote Aristotle to emphasize the value of input from experienced colleagues.
More from Aristotle
All quotes →Those who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
For often, when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream.
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
But if nothing but soul, or in soul mind, is qualified to count, it is impossible for there to be time unless there is soul, but only that of which time is an attribute, i.e. if change can exist without soul.
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
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