Self-Control in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

Self-Control in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics According to Aristotle, we all aim for the highest good in life. That is, we all are in pursuit of happiness in our daily activities. While in search for the highest good, one can be virtuous by living a life of median and finding a balance through self-control. Virtues described in this chapter are not simply actions but a habit or state of mind. Self-control is not resisting what is pleasurable, but enjoying it in moderation. Self-control deals with pleasure of the soul and of the body. In regards to the body, self-control is described through appetite and the health of one’s body. “All the pleasant things that contribute to his health and well-being he desires moderately and in the way he should, and also other pleasures as long as they are neither detrimental to health and well-being nor incompatible with what is noble nor beyond his means” (Aristotle 1119a.16-20). In order to find this median, Aristotle believes that one must experience the goodness of life and enjoy life. However, one must not extend to the point of self-indulgence of the goodness. This quote exemplifies a soul in median. Aristotle’s emphasis of taste and self-control argues that when in median, one will be able to resist these desires. His self-control will not just be an action, but will be a habit. There are pleasures that one seeks in life, but these pleasures don’t take a hold of one’s life. Being virtuous is knowing and living the median. Desires will always be a part of one’s life as there will be things that will seem pleasurable, but self-control will keep a life balanced and in median.