Chapter 15

Term 1

Reason

There is only one kind of reason in man, and in man per se, so, it is the reason man possesses.

Reason works what is best in man and what is proper to him, and this shows that his proper function is within him, which is happiness.

Right reason compels us to what is best.

In lesser men, there is something innate which resists and contradicts reason.

Having reason is said in two ways, having it in one's self, and another as something obedient to it as to a father.

Reason is the best thing in man, and it is corrupted by brutish incontinence.

Term 2

The Spun Man

Those who say that a man spun by great misfortunes is happy because he is good and virtuous are speaking senslessly.

Term 3

Sudden Things

Things done suddenly are not said to come from choice.

Term 4

Ridiculous

It is ridiculous to blame one's actions on external goods while not holding onself guitly of being influenced by them.

Term

Love of Record-Keeping

A love of precise record-keeping is petty.

Term 6

The Rule

The rule used for building in Lesbos is made of lead, which does not stay rigid, but forms to the shape of the stone. A sentence adjusted to the circumstance is like this.

Term 7

The King

The king is about what is best for his subjects, since a man who is not enough in himself and does not abound in all good things is no king at all.

The king has care of his subjects for them to act virtuously, just as the shepherd does of his flock.

Term 8

Monarchy

Monarchy, among all other kinds of government, is the greatest and best, but democracy is the worst.

Term 9

The Rule of the House

The rule of the house between husband and wife is like an aristocracy.

Term 10

Rest

Rest is not an end in itself, but is taken for the sake of activity.

Term 11

Repayment

He asks what sort of measure should determine the repayment that should be made in a friendship of utility.

Repayment should be measured according to the utility of the receiver. He should return as much as he owes for the aid which he receives, or more, which is better.

When friends repay one another but not with what was wanted, but with something unwanted, it the same as if no return was made. He gives the example of lyrist who is not repayed what he had asked.

One does not have an obligation to repay everyone with the same things, just as the father is not the receipient of all one gives, nor Jove of all sacrifices.

One has an obligation to repay everyone, whether they are parents, wise men, the elderly, leaders, or friends.

Term 12

Compensation

Compensation in transactions follows proportionality, shown by the conjunction in a figure by diagonal.

Compensation made for gifts given without a prior agreement is determined by the receiver.

When making compensations, one should always avoid what is excessive.