At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst

At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst

Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers of all time, believed that man is the noblest of all animals when he is at his best. This statement reflects Aristotle's belief in the potential for human excellence and virtue. According to Aristotle, humans have the capacity for reason and moral virtue, which sets them apart from other animals. When humans use their reason to cultivate virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice, they can achieve their full potential and become truly noble beings.

However, Aristotle also recognized that humans have the capacity for evil and corruption. He believed that when humans are separated from law and justice, they can become the worst of all animals. Without the guidance of laws and the enforcement of justice, humans are prone to selfishness, greed, and violence. In the absence of moral principles and social norms, humans can easily descend into chaos and barbarism.

Aristotle's statement highlights the importance of law and justice in maintaining a just and orderly society. Laws provide a framework for regulating human behavior and resolving conflicts, while justice ensures that individuals are held accountable for their actions. Without these institutions, humans are left to their own devices and are likely to act in ways that are harmful to themselves and others.