“The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life – knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
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Quote
“The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life – knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle discusses the nature of wisdom and courage. The wise person, he argues, does not recklessly seek out danger or take unnecessary risks, because they understand that life is valuable and there are only a few things truly worth sacrificing for. However, when faced with a great crisis—such as protecting others or upholding a greater moral cause—the wise person is willing to give their life, because they understand that there are moments when preserving one’s integrity, honor, or the welfare of others is more important than personal survival. This reflects a deep understanding of when it is not only rational but morally necessary to face death.
This idea remains relevant today, particularly in the context of self-preservation versus sacrifice. The balance between avoiding unnecessary risk and being willing to act with selflessness when the greater good is at stake is central to discussions about leadership, ethical decision-making, and heroism. In times of crisis, such as in disasters or wars, individuals are often called to make difficult choices about whether to protect themselves or take risks for the welfare of others.
For example, a firefighter might not risk their life in a situation unless it is absolutely necessary to save others, demonstrating both the wisdom of not acting recklessly and the courage to give their life when the cause is noble. Aristotle’s quote reminds us that wisdom involves understanding the value of life, knowing when it is worth preserving, and being willing to sacrifice for something far greater than personal survival.
