The Key to a Good Life | Book Insights Podcast on Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

*Aristotle’s relentless quest to categorize everything has had a massive impact on philosophical and scientific thinking over the last 2,000 years.
*His very rational, left-brain way of seeing is the essence of Western civilization.
*The Nicomachean Ethics (dedicated to his son, Nicomachus) is the best expression of Aristotle’s moral philosophy. It provides a recipe for the good life that is still discussed and applied today.
*The good life is one where reason is taken into account at all levels. One should act with the appropriate balance, rather than live a life of unrestrained action or bland asceticism.
*Pleasures should not be ignored, nor should they control one’s life entirely. A person should be brave when necessary, but should not put themselves into pointless danger.
*Happiness is not pleasure, but a by-product of a meaningful life, and meaning tends to come from striving and self-discipline.
*By carefully weighing each decision with the end of a good life in mind, we can all live in a way that brings the highest goal and reward: happiness.

Theme 1: Defining Goodness - 0:29
Theme 2: The Unvirtuous Life -10:14
Theme 3: The Golden Mean - 19:12

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Full Title: Nicomachean Ethics
Year of Publication: 4th century BC
Book Author: Aristotle

Book Insight Writer: Joe Aitken
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowden
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowden
Narrator: Elliott Schiff