What Is the Greatest Virtue? Here’s Aristotle’s Answer

What Is the Greatest Virtue? Here’s Aristotle’s Answer

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.

Norms of Society: How Humans Regulate Each Other

Norms of Society: How Humans Regulate Each Other

Why did social norms develop? How do they work, and what role do they play? If you make too much noise in a library, you probably won’t get escorted out by security. Instead, you’ll likely earn some dirty looks or shushing from your fellow patrons. Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson explain how norms of society, such as this example of group enforcement, regulate human behavior. Read more to learn how norms of society play a role in our lives.

The Virtue of Wisdom: Self-Sufficient & Divine

The Virtue of Wisdom: Self-Sufficient & Divine

What did Aristotle say about wisdom as a virtue? Why did he believe it was superior? In an effort to prove that wisdom is the greatest virtue of all, Aristotle explains how the virtue of wisdom is superior to moral virtues. He claims that wisdom is superior because it’s self-sufficient and divine.  Let’s take a look at Aristotle’s view on the virtue of wisdom as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics.

Misleading Statistics: Lying With Numbers

Misleading Statistics: Lying With Numbers

How do people mislead with statistics? What are some real-world examples of misleading statistics? Anyone with the will and a capable computer program can perform statistical analyses. This accessibility combined with the ease and speed of information sharing in our technology-oriented culture makes it easy for misleading statistics to make their way into our lives and inform our opinions or decisions.   Keep reading to find out how you can avoid falling into the trap of misleading statistics.

Aristotle on Moral Virtue: A Journey of Habits

Aristotle on Moral Virtue: A Journey of Habits

How can people become virtuous? What was Aristotle’s theory? A person can develop moral virtue, Aristotle says, through habit. This journey involves three main elements: achieving a mean between two vices, experiencing pain and pleasure, and acquiring moral education. Continue reading for an overview of Aristotle’s ideas about moral virtue as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics.

Technology Is Manipulating You: Here’s How to Fight Back

Technology Is Manipulating You: Here’s How to Fight Back

How is technology manipulating you? Is it your fault you have trouble focusing? Johann Hari, the author of Stolen Focus, believes the solutions put forward for the attention crisis aren’t working because they focus on personal responsibility. However, he claims that the tech industry is manipulating you to believe that it’s your fault. Continue reading to learn more about overcoming technology’s manipulation.

Kindness in the Workplace: How to Use It Wisely

Kindness in the Workplace: How to Use It Wisely

Does kindness have a place in the office? How can you be kind without being taken advantage of? Conventional advice regarding success contradicts itself in its recommendations surrounding kindness. Some people argue that being nice is for chumps, while others argue that being nice will get you far. So who’s right? According to peak performance expert Eric Barker, they all are. You can be both kind and successful—but you have to be smart about it.  Here’s how to practice kindness in the workplace while keeping people from walking all over you.