“What the statesman is most anxious to produce is a certain moral character in his fellow citizens, namely a disposition to virtue and the performance of virtuous actions.”
- 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
“What the statesman is most anxious to produce is a certain moral character in his fellow citizens, namely a disposition to virtue and the performance of virtuous actions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle emphasizes the key responsibility of the statesman (or leader) in shaping the moral character of citizens within a society. Rather than merely focusing on laws, policies, or external structures, the statesman should be primarily concerned with fostering a society that values virtue—the inclination to act ethically, with a sense of moral responsibility, and guided by sound principles. A statesman should aim to cultivate a disposition to virtue, meaning that citizens are not only inclined to do what is right but are also empowered to consistently perform virtuous actions in their daily lives. The ideal statesman works to create conditions where moral education, community values, and ethical behavior are deeply embedded in the fabric of society.
This concept remains highly relevant today in discussions about leadership, education, and social governance. Modern statesmen, leaders, and policymakers are often tasked with not only enforcing laws but also guiding the moral direction of a society. Effective leaders create an environment where virtue is promoted through education, community involvement, and cultural values, leading to a population that acts with integrity, fairness, and a sense of collective responsibility.
For example, a government that prioritizes education on ethical values, social welfare, and community-building can create an environment where citizens are more likely to engage in virtue-driven actions, such as helping those in need, being honest, and contributing to the common good. Aristotle’s quote encourages the idea that effective leadership is not just about enacting laws or policies, but about nurturing a virtuous society where citizens inherently strive to do what is morally right.
