The Metaphysics of Aristotle

The contemplative or intellectual energy, indeed, when it is possessed in the highest perfection of which our nature is capable, raises its possessor above the condition of humanity. "For a life according to intellect," says the Stagirite (Aristotle, born in Stagira), "is more excellent than that which falls to the lot of man: for he does not thus live, so far as he is man, but so far as he contains something divine. And as much as this divine part of him differs from the composite, so much also does this energy differ from that of the other virtues. If, therefore, intellect compared with man is divine, the life also which is according to intellect will be divine with respect to human life. It is, however, requisite that we should not follow the exhortations of those who say that man should be wise in human, and a mortal in mortal concerns, but we should endeavor as much as possible to immortalize ourselves, and to do everything which may contribute to a life according to our most excellent part. For this, though it is small in bulk, yet far transcends all the other parts in power and dignity." After this, he shows that intellect is the true man, from its being that which is most powerful, principal, and excellent in our nature; "so that," says he, "it would be absurd not to choose that which is our proper life, but that which belongs to something different from ourselves."

Ridiculous, therefore, as well as groveling, are those conceptions which lead men to value knowledge only so far as it contributes to the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, after he had so successfully studied the categories (classifications of being) of the latter, and formed such just conceptions of the sublime doctrines of the former. He appears indeed to have surveyed that philosophy as a building whose foundations cannot be shaken, and whose summit reaches the heavens. He may be said to have even ascended the rock on which this mighty building stands, and to have opened its everlasting gates; but, dazzled by the excessive splendor which burst upon him from its most interior recesses, he timidly withdrew to the neighboring valley of Philology (the study of language/literature), and, having entered the temple of that goddess, immediately became one of her most illustrious votaries.