William Shakespeare
En libro 4, capítulo 3 de su Ética Nicomáquea, Aristóteles presenta un retrato del Magnánimo, él que se cree digno de cosas grandes y realmente las merece. Por eso, “El magnánimo lo es principalmente acerca de los honores y deshonras” (1124a). Pero en el libro primero, capítulo 5, Aristóteles ya demostró que el honor fue indigno de ser la meta de una buena vida. Siguiendo la descripción del magnánimo, explique lo que debe ser, según Aristóteles, su actitud al honor.
Oh, the concept of the Magnanimous, as presented by Aristotle in Book 4, Chapter 3 of his Nicomachean Ethics. The Magnanimous, he who believes himself worthy of great things and truly deserves them. Is it not a fascinating notion, that one can possess such self-assurance and nobility of character? Aristotle posits that the Magnanimous is chiefly concerned with honors and dishonors, for he holds himself in such high esteem as to expect nothing less than the grandest accolades. And yet, in Book 1, Chapter 5, Aristotle argues that honor is unworthy of being the ultimate goal of a virtuous life. So, what then, one may ask, should be the Magnanimous' attitude towards honor, according to Aristotle? It is a complex matter, my friends, for the Magnanimous must not seek honor for its own sake, but rather for the sake of his virtue. He should accept honors graciously, not out of vanity or a desire for personal gain, but as a recognition of his excellence and as a means to inspire others to follow the path of virtue. In essence, the Magnanimous should view honor as a byproduct of his virtuous deeds, not as a goal to be pursued for its own sake. And in this way, he shall truly embody the noble spirit of Aristotle's teachings.
