Aristotle is one of history’s greatest philosophers

- He mentored Alexander the Great

- Founded countless scientific disciplines

- Became the fundamental philosopher of the Islamic and Christian worlds

Here are his 7 biggest lessons on living a good life: 

1.) Embrace the golden mean

Aristotle said that virtue is the mean of two vices at the extremes

For example, courage lies in between the extremes of cowardice and recklessness

Hence balance is the key to the good life

Virtue is found not in the extreme, but the mean

2.) True education trains your heart

True education isn’t about accumulating facts

It’s about loving what is good

And hating what is bad

Thus true education is a loving heart

3.) Virtue is happiness

Aristotle said the aim of life is, “eudaimonia”: human flourishing

He says we achieve eudaimonia when we seek virtue:

“[eudaimonia is] activity in accordance with virtue”

If you want to be happy, be virtuous

4.) Welcome adversity

A happy mind is a trained mind

And adversity is the training grounds for resilience

Aristotle says painful experiences strengthen our soul to endure hardship

Always remember that adversity makes you strong

5.) Patience makes everything better

Expediency is the enemy of greatness

Aristotle reminds us that life's fruits lie behind hardship:

“Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet”

Greatness is a product of patience

6.) Virtue is habit

Your actions are everything

Doing good actions repeatedly makes you good

Doing bad actions repeatedly makes you bad

If you want to be good, act good

Virtue is molded by your habits

7.) True friendship is a great fortune

Aristotle defines the greatest friendship as “virtue-based” friendship:

A friend who loves you and pushes you to be better

If you surround yourself with virtuous friends

You'll be virtuous

Virtuous friendship is the key to a happy life