CodalSearch this book — or all of Codal…⌘K
nydus/The Nicomachean Ethics of AristotlePublic

This work constitutes one half of a comprehensive treatise on political and social science, focusing on the study of human conduct and character. It functions as an independent inquiry that complements Aristotle’s Politics by exploring the practical activities of human life.

Page 113 of 423
Table of Contents

BOOK III

surely will hereafter say, Speaking in Troy, Tydides by my hand”—

This I say most nearly resembles the Courage before spoken of, because it arises from virtue, from a feeling of shame, and a desire of what is noble (that is, of honour), and avoidance of disgrace which is base.

In the same rank one would be inclined to place those also who act under compulsion from their commanders; yet are they really lower, because not a sense of honour but fear is the motive from which they act, and what they seek to avoid is not that which is base but that which is simply painful: commanders do in fact compel their men sometimes, as Hector says (to quote Homer again),

“But whomsoever I shall find cowering afar from the fight,

The teeth of dogs he shall by no means escape.”

Those commanders who station staunch troops by doubtful ones,88 or who beat their men if they flinch, or who draw

113