[not always remain the same], but the matter of moral discipline is varied, and is drawn from those things which for the most part are accustomed to happen, and which are not necessary; wherefore the mode of teaching ought not to be demonstrative a priori, but a posteriori, and from the effect. For, as the Philosopher says in the first book of the Ethics, here the principle is the fact that the thing is, and if this be sufficiently established, there is no need to know the "wherefore" and for what cause it is. Concerning the subject, however, of this moral philosophy, although many opinions are usually brought forward, that one nevertheless seems more excellent which says that the subject is man by that reason in which he is free in acting. For just as medicine considers man according to those things which pertain to the body, so moral philosophy considers man as free; and concerning man, those things which belong to the soul, such as virtues and operations, and other things of the same kind, which belong to him as his own properties. But with these things having been premised, let us now proceed to the explanation of the book of the Ethics.

ON THE COMMENTARIES OF DONATO ACCIAIOLI

ON THE ETHICS OF ARISTOTLE

Whoever you are that hasten to the Ethics of Aristotle,
That you may reach the springs of character, take up this torch for yourself,
Which Acciaioli holds before you, if it pleases you
To survey the innermost parts of all that this book teaches.
No author of either Ausonian or Greek name
Is more learned than this commentator. Farewell.