The Nicomachean Ethics Book Summary - The Nicomachean Ethics Book explained in key points
Listen to the Intro
00:00

The Nicomachean Ethics summary

Happiness as the End of Actions

4.3 (277 ratings)
5 mins

Brief summary

The Nicomachean Ethics explores the nature of human happiness and virtue, examining how individuals can achieve moral excellence and live fulfilling lives through ethical conduct and intellectual development.

Table of Contents

    The Nicomachean Ethics
    Summary of 2 key ideas

    Audio & text in the Blinkist app
    Key idea 1 of 2

    One big idea: Pursue a balanced life.

    Welcome to this Big Idea Blink. For this type of Blink, our editors choose one thought-provoking insight from a book so you can learn something new in just a few minutes. 

    The idea we’d like to talk about this time is that a certain balance is important in achieving a fulfilled life. Coming from one of the most influential minds of the ancient world, Aristotle’s insight remains as relevant today as it was over two millennia ago.

    Want to see all full key ideas from The Nicomachean Ethics?

    Key ideas in The Nicomachean Ethics

    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The Nicomachean Ethics about?

    The Nicomachean Ethics (around 340 BC) explores the question of what makes a good life. It argues that achieving a balanced, virtuous life through rational activity is the essence of human happiness.

    The Nicomachean Ethics Review

    The Nicomachean Ethics (350 BC) by Aristotle delves into the nature of ethics and the pursuit of happiness. Here's why this book is a gem:

    • Exploring the concept of virtue and its role in leading a fulfilling life, it offers timeless wisdom on moral character and personal development.
    • It delves into the idea of flourishing through ethical choices and relationships, providing a roadmap for living well and harmoniously.
    • By advocating for a balanced approach to life and highlighting the importance of moderation, it challenges readers to reflect on their values and behaviors.

    Who should read The Nicomachean Ethics?

    • Students of philosophy
    • Those interested in ethics
    • Anyone seeking a meaningful life

    About the Author

    Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and a teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover a wide range of subjects, including physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theatre, music, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, and government.

    Categories with The Nicomachean Ethics

    Book summaries like The Nicomachean Ethics

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    33 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    The Nicomachean Ethics FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Nicomachean Ethics?

    The main message of The Nicomachean Ethics focuses on the idea of achieving happiness through virtuous actions.

    How long does it take to read The Nicomachean Ethics?

    The estimated reading time for The Nicomachean Ethics is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.

    Is The Nicomachean Ethics a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Nicomachean Ethics is worth reading for its profound exploration of ethics and virtue that remain relevant to this day.

    Who is the author of The Nicomachean Ethics?

    The author of The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle.

    What to read after The Nicomachean Ethics?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Nicomachean Ethics, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Break the Cycle by Dr. Mariel Buqué
    • Common Sense by Thomas Paine
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • The Metaphysics by Aristotle
    • Aristotle’s Way by Edith Hall
    • The Republic by Plato
    • Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
    • Politics by Aristotle
    • The Art of Rhetoric by Aristotle
    • Mind Magic by James R. Doty