THE FIRST BOOK

OF THE ETHICS OF ARISTOTLE

THE STAGIRITE

TO NICOMACHUS.

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On the universal desire for the good, and the diversity of ends.

Ornamental woodcut initial 'O' featuring a floral/foliage motif within a square frame. Every art and every inquiry, and likewise every action and choice, seems to aim at some good. Wherefore it has been well said by the ancients that the good is that which all things desire. But there appears to be a certain difference among ends: for some are activities, while others are certain works beyond the activities themselves. And in those cases where there are certain ends beyond the activities, in these the works themselves are more excellent than the activities. Since, however, there are many actions, arts, and sciences, it follows that there are also many ends. For the end of medicine is health; of the art of shipbuilding, a ship; of the military faculty, victory; and of domestic management, wealth. But such of these as are under some one power—as the art of making bridles and all others that produce equestrian equipment—relate to the facul-