The World's Best Book Summaries
What does “the map is not the territory” mean? What practical lesson can we learn from this? Alfred Korzybski, a scientist and a philosopher, keenly observed that “the map is not the territory.” He meant that a representation (the map) is not the thing it represents (the territory); it’s merely an abstraction of the thing itself. Continue reading to learn what practical implications this principle has for all of us.
What are mental models? Can they actually help you in life in a practical way? In our unpredictable and competitive world, your ability to make good decisions has an exceptional impact on your success in life and work. Fortunately, you can become a skilled decision maker by using mental models. Keep reading to understand how these powerful thinking tools equip you to cut through complexity and understand the world.
What are some of the best quotes from The Prince? What captures the essence of Machiavelli’s message? In his 16th-century political treatise The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli describes how authoritarian leaders, or “princes,” should rule their states. The Prince is an unapologetic depiction of the “real truth” of politics, where states and leaders are motivated by ambition as much as by their ideals. Keep reading for several quotes from The Prince, along with context and explanation.
What does Machiavelli recommend regarding an armed populace? Where does he advise princes to live once they’ve conquered new territory? Niccolò Machiavelli sees a loyal populace as one of the most valuable tools a prince can have. In turn, he warns that a prince who is hated by the people can never hold on to power for long. Continue reading to learn Machiavelli’s philosophy about winning over the people.
What are some of the best quotes from Nicomachean Ethics? What captures Aristotle’s message? In Nicomachean Ethics, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle attempts to determine the best possible way a person can live their life. He’s not trying to explain the best way to deal with any given situation. Instead, Aristotle aims to provide a general overview of what an ideal life is and how people can achieve it. We’ve collected some of our favorite Nicomachean Ethics quotes, along with some context and explanation. Take a look.
What’s “the good life”? How is moral virtue achieved? What’s the greatest virtue of all? These are some of the questions that ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle discusses in the Nicomachean Ethics book. He argues that the best and happiest life consists of the rational pursuit of virtue. He explains the different kinds of virtues, how to become virtuous, and the greatest virtue of all: wisdom. Keep reading to learn more about this classic work.
What is moral virtue? Is it simply being good, or is there more to it than that? In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle concludes that happiness comes from consistently making the right choices over the course of a lifetime (rational activity aligned with virtue). Not only must the actions be right, but the motives behind them must also be right. Keep reading to understand how, in Aristotle’s view, virtuous actions and virtuous reasons add up to moral virtue.
What makes a happy life? Must you have or do something in particular? According to Aristotle, a person must have certain life circumstances to be capable of happiness. Specifically, he notes two requirements of a happy life: prosperity and longevity. Continue reading to learn more about Aristotle’s two ingredients for happiness.
How are we limited in our pursuit of happiness? Can we still be happy? We can reason, so we’re above the animals. But, we can’t eternally contemplate, so we’re below the gods. In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle addresses human limitations and discusses how we still can strive for happiness, even within constraints. Keep reading for Aristotle’s views on human limitations.
What is the greatest virtue? What makes it so great? Does Aristotle’s theory hold water? In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses virtues, both moral and intellectual. He argues that one virtue rises above all the others: wisdom. Unlike other virtues, it’s an end in itself and, thus, the best way to achieve happiness—the goal of life. Read more to understand Aristotle’s opinion about the greatest virtue.