The Complete Works

by Aristotle

formal study of logic,

the lie itself, and another because he desires reputation or gain. Now those who boast for the sake of reputation claim

8

Politics, Book I Translated by Benjamin

colony from the family, composed of the children and grandchildren,

Homer says: Each one gives law to his children and to his wives.

since the whole is of necessity prior to the part; for example,

defined by their working and power;

But he who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god:

and yet he who first founded the state was the greatest of benefactors. For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with arms, meant to be used by intelligence and virtue, which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony. But justice is the bond of men in states, for the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in political society.

master over slaves is contrary to nature, and that the distinction between slave and freeman exists by law only, and not by nature; and being an interference with nature is therefore unjust.

Politics, Book III Translated by Benjamin Jowett