Aristotle once said,
“For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with the arms of intelligence and with moral qualities which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony. But justice is the bond of men in states, and the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in political society.”
Aristotle, being one of the greatest philosophers who ever lived and the first genuine scientist in history, expresses his insights into universal justice. He emphasizes that while humans have the potential to be the highest of creatures—capable of reason, virtue, and moral consideration—this potential can easily be corrupted in the absence of justice and law. At the first line, he states,
“For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all,”
indicating that human potential is above any other creature present on Earth, where we have the quality of intelligence and moral judgment. On the other hand, he also noted our corrupted nature—misused judgment leads to vices and dangers.
Following the second line, Aristotle states,
“...since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with the arms of intelligence and with moral qualities which he may use for the worst ends.”
Here, Aristotle defined man as a “political animal,” distinguished from the other animals by his gift of speech and power of moral judgment. He also emphasizes that injustice, when it is combined with power or force ("armed"), becomes exceptionally perilous. Next, Aristotle also adds on to his point by noting that humans are born with inherent intellectual abilities, stating
“And he is equipped at birth with the arms of intelligence”.
The “arms of intelligence” is referring to the cognitive ability and reasoning skills that people inherently have. Intelligence provides humans with the capability to think critically, plan, and strategize. Lastly,
“and with moral qualities which he may use for the worst ends.”
refers to the moral capacities that individuals possess, such as the ability to discern right from wrong and to make ethical judgments based on one’s decision. Aristotle acknowledges that while these moral qualities can guide individuals towards virtuous behavior, they can also be misused. If someone chooses to act immorally, their moral capacities can be employed in harmful or destructive ways. Thus, the same qualities that can promote good can also be turned to detrimental purposes if not guided by virtue. This idea is also evident in another philosophers quote, written by Potter Stewart, stating:
“Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.”
Both Aristotle and Potter Stewart converge on the fundamental idea that possessing the capacity for moral judgment and intelligence comes with significant responsibility. Earlier, Aristotle emphasizes that while humans have the innate ability to reason and make ethical decisions, these faculties can be perverted if not guided by virtue. In a similar vein, Stewart's quote draws the distinction between legal rights and ethical actions—underlining the importance of moral integrity in using one’s rights wisely and justly.
As of the second part of Aristotle’s quote, from
“Wherefore ... .the principle of order in political society.”
Aristotle addresses the consequences of lacking virtue and the essential role of justice in society. This part puts more emphasis on the importance of virtue and justice in human society, which correlates to this article’s theme—Universality. It suggests that without virtue, a person is reduced to a state worse than an animal, driven by base desires like lust and gluttony. Virtue, particularly justice, is portrayed as the essential bond that holds societies together. Justice is described as the key principle that ensures order in political communities by determining what is fair and just.
One quote that illustrates Universality Justice and the bond of societies is
"But justice is the bond of men in states."
This quote highlights the crucial role that justice plays in uniting individuals within a society. It suggests that justice is the fundamental principle that ties people together, allowing them to coexist in a structured and harmonious manner. Where in a society where justice is absent, it breeds resentment, inequality, and lawlessness, which can tear apart the social fabric, destabilize communities, and destroy the sense of unity that is essential for the prosperity and stability of any state. Therefore, justice is necessary throughout the society due to its practical necessity for maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of society as a whole.
All in all, Aristotle’s reflections on justice and virtue tells the society the profound responsibility that comes with human intelligence and moral capacity. His insights remind us that while humans have the potential to be the highest of creatures, this potential can be corrupted without the guiding force of justice and virtue. Justice is the cornerstone that binds society, ensuring order, fairness, and the collective well-being of its members. Without it, the very fabric of society unravels, leading to chaos and division. Thus, ensuring Universal Justice is applied to world
affairs is not just an ideal, but a necessity to maintain peace and cohesiveness.
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