Summary
Aristotle breaks down the mind into two thinking parts: one that deals with unchanging truths (like math) and another that handles the messy, changing world of human decisions. He identifies five ways we grasp truth: scientific knowledge, art/skill, practical wisdom, philosophical wisdom, and intuitive understanding. Scientific knowledge deals with eternal, unchanging things—like mathematical proofs. Art is about making things, following reliable techniques. But practical wisdom is different: it's about living well and making good choices in situations that could go either way. Aristotle uses examples like Pericles, who could see what was good not just for himself but for society. This kind of wisdom can't be taught from books—it comes from experience. That's why young people can be brilliant mathematicians but rarely have practical wisdom. They haven't lived long enough to understand how life actually works. Philosophical wisdom combines scientific knowledge with intuitive understanding of first principles—it's about the biggest questions of existence. But practical wisdom is more valuable for daily life because it helps us navigate relationships, career choices, and moral decisions. Aristotle argues that you can't be truly good without practical wisdom, and you can't have practical wisdom without being good—they develop together. The chapter ends by addressing critics who question whether these forms of wisdom are actually useful, with Aristotle defending their value for human flourishing.
Coming Up in Chapter 7
Having established what wisdom looks like, Aristotle turns to examine human weakness—why do people act against their better judgment? The next book explores the puzzle of moral failure and self-control.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
BOOK VI ====================================================================== 1 Since we have previously said that one ought to choose that which is intermediate, not the excess nor the defect, and that the intermediate is determined by the dictates of the right rule, let us discuss the nature of these dictates. In all the states of character we have mentioned, as in all other matters, there is a mark to which the man who has the rule looks, and heightens or relaxes his activity accordingly, and there is a standard which determines the mean states which we say are intermediate between excess and defect, being in accordance with the right rule. But such a statement, though true, is by no means clear; for not only here but in all other pursuits which are objects of knowledge it is indeed true to say that we must not exert ourselves nor relax our efforts too much nor too little, but to an intermediate extent and as the right rule dictates; but if a man had only this knowledge he would be none the wiser e.g. we should not know what sort of medicines to apply to our body if some one were to say 'all those which the medical art prescribes, and which agree with the practice of one who possesses the art'. Hence it is necessary with regard to the states of the soul also not only that this true statement should be made, but also that it should be determined what is the right rule and what is the standard that fixes it. We divided the virtues of the soul and a said that some are virtues of character and others of intellect. Now we have discussed in detail the moral virtues; with regard to the others let us express our view as follows, beginning with some remarks about the soul. We said before that there are two parts of the soul-that which grasps a rule or rational principle, and the irrational; let us now draw a similar distinction within the part which grasps a rational principle. And let it be assumed that there are two parts which grasp a rational principle-one by which we contemplate the kind of things whose originative causes are invariable, and one by which we contemplate variable things; for where objects differ in kind the part of the soul answering to each of the two is different in kind, since it is in virtue of a certain likeness and kinship with their objects that they have the knowledge they have. Let one of these parts be called the scientific and the other the calculative; for to deliberate and to calculate are the same thing, but no one deliberates about the invariable. Therefore the calculative is one part of the faculty which grasps a rational principle. We must, then, learn what is the best state of each of these two parts; for this is the virtue of each. 2 The virtue of a thing is relative to its proper work. Now there...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Two Wisdoms - Why Street Smarts Beat Book Smarts
Book knowledge and life wisdom are completely different skills that develop through different methods and solve different problems.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when situations require rule-following versus human judgment and experience.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when your technical skills solve problems easily versus when you need to read people, timing, and context to navigate successfully.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Practical Wisdom (Phronesis)
The ability to make good decisions in real-life situations that don't have clear-cut answers. Unlike book knowledge, this comes from experience and helps you navigate relationships, work, and moral choices.
Modern Usage:
We see this in managers who know when to bend rules for good employees, or parents who know when to be strict versus understanding with their kids.
Scientific Knowledge (Episteme)
Knowledge about things that never change, like mathematical truths or natural laws. This is the kind of knowledge you can prove definitively and that stays the same across time and cultures.
Modern Usage:
This is what we learn in math class or chemistry - facts that are true whether you're in Ohio or Japan, in 2024 or 2054.
Art/Craft Knowledge (Techne)
The skill of making or creating things according to established techniques. It's about following proven methods to produce specific results, whether you're building furniture or performing surgery.
Modern Usage:
This shows up in trade skills like plumbing or electrical work, and professional skills like nursing procedures or cooking techniques.
The Mean
The right balance between too much and too little of something. Aristotle argues that virtue lies in finding this middle ground, but it's not always the exact mathematical center.
Modern Usage:
We see this in work-life balance - not working too much or too little, but finding what's right for your situation and responsibilities.
Deliberation
The process of thinking through decisions about uncertain situations where you could choose different paths. It's not about things that are already decided, but about what you should do.
Modern Usage:
This is what we do when weighing job offers, deciding whether to move, or figuring out how to handle a difficult conversation with a family member.
Philosophical Wisdom (Sophia)
Deep understanding of the biggest questions about existence, truth, and reality. It combines scientific knowledge with intuitive grasp of fundamental principles about how the universe works.
Modern Usage:
This is what philosophers and some scientists pursue when they ask questions like 'What is consciousness?' or 'Why does anything exist at all?'
Characters in This Chapter
Pericles
Example of practical wisdom
Aristotle uses him as his prime example of someone with practical wisdom - a leader who could see what was good not just for himself but for his whole society. He represents the ideal of someone who combines personal virtue with public effectiveness.
Modern Equivalent:
The respected community leader who everyone turns to for advice
The Young Mathematician
Example of limited wisdom
Aristotle's hypothetical example of someone who can master abstract knowledge but lacks practical wisdom. Shows how book smarts and life wisdom are completely different things.
Modern Equivalent:
The brilliant college graduate who knows theory but struggles with office politics
The Doctor
Example of craft knowledge
Used to illustrate how technical knowledge works - doctors know specific techniques and when to apply them, but this is different from the broader wisdom needed to live well.
Modern Equivalent:
The skilled technician who's great at their job but that doesn't make them a life coach
Key Quotes & Analysis
"If a man had only this knowledge he would be none the wiser - we should not know what sort of medicines to apply to our body if someone were to say 'all those which the medical art prescribes'"
Context: Explaining why general principles aren't enough without specific knowledge
Aristotle is pointing out that knowing the rule 'follow the right path' is useless without knowing what that path actually looks like in real situations. It's like being told to 'do your best' without any guidance on what that means.
In Today's Words:
Telling someone to 'be professional' doesn't help if they don't know what professional behavior actually looks like in their workplace.
"Young people can become mathematicians and geometers and wise in matters like these, but it is thought that they cannot become practically wise"
Context: Explaining why practical wisdom requires life experience
This shows why book learning and life wisdom are totally different. A 20-year-old can master calculus but probably shouldn't be giving marriage advice. Practical wisdom needs time and experience to develop.
In Today's Words:
A kid might be great at video games but that doesn't mean they know how to handle a difficult boss or navigate family drama.
"It is not possible to be good in the strict sense without practical wisdom, nor practically wise without moral virtue"
Context: Explaining how wisdom and goodness develop together
Aristotle argues that being truly good and being wise go hand in hand - you can't have one without the other. They reinforce each other as you grow and learn from experience.
In Today's Words:
You can't be a genuinely good person without learning how to make smart decisions, and you can't make consistently smart decisions without caring about doing the right thing.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Aristotle distinguishes between theoretical knowledge (often associated with privilege/education) and practical wisdom (developed through lived experience)
Development
Builds on earlier themes by showing how different types of intelligence are valued differently by different classes
In Your Life:
Your work experience might give you practical insights that college-educated managers lack but don't recognize.
Experience
In This Chapter
Practical wisdom can only be gained through time and real-world consequences, not from books or lectures
Development
Introduced here as a core requirement for true wisdom
In Your Life:
The difficult situations you've navigated have built judgment skills that can't be taught in classrooms.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Aristotle argues that moral character and practical wisdom develop together - you can't have one without the other
Development
Deepens earlier discussions of virtue by showing how wisdom and goodness are interconnected
In Your Life:
Making good decisions repeatedly builds both your character and your ability to see situations clearly.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Society often values abstract knowledge over practical wisdom, despite practical wisdom being more useful for daily life
Development
Introduced here as tension between what's prestigious and what's actually valuable
In Your Life:
You might undervalue your own practical skills because they're not formally recognized or credentialed.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What's the difference between book smarts and practical wisdom according to Aristotle?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Aristotle say young people can master math but rarely have practical wisdom?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about someone at your workplace who's technically skilled but struggles with people. What does this tell you about different types of intelligence?
application • medium - 4
When have you seen someone use practical wisdom to handle a situation that couldn't be solved by following rules or procedures?
application • deep - 5
If practical wisdom only comes from experience, how should this change how we think about learning and decision-making?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Intelligence Audit: Map Your Two Minds
Make two columns: 'Book Knowledge' and 'Life Wisdom.' In the first column, list skills you learned from training, school, or manuals. In the second, list insights you gained from experience, mistakes, or watching others. Look for gaps where you have one type but not the other in important areas of your life.
Consider:
- •Notice which column feels more valuable for your daily challenges
- •Identify areas where you might be trying to use book knowledge to solve people problems
- •Consider which type of intelligence you naturally trust more and why
Journaling Prompt
Write about a recent decision where you had all the facts but still struggled to know what to do. What kind of wisdom were you missing, and how might you develop it?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 7: Self-Control and the Battle Within
The coming pages reveal to understand the difference between weakness of will and true vice, and teach us knowing what's right doesn't automatically make you do right. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.