What are the characteristics of an "ideal man" or superman according to Aristotle?
"The ideal man", according to Aristotle, "the magnanimous one" is not a simple philosopher.
He does not put himself in danger for trivial reasons, for there are few things that he considers valuable. But he will take a risk for an important purpose, and he will be willing to sacrifice his life because he believes that it is not worth protecting his life at any cost.
He likes to offer, but he is ashamed to profit because it is a sign of superiority and the latter of inferiority.
He does not compete with others for the common objects of ambition, nor does he goes where others are on the top place.
He must express both love and hatred openly, for concealment shows cowardice.
He cannot allow his life to revolve around other people unless it is about a friend, for such behavior would be slavish.
He rarely admires anything, as nothing is great to him.
He is also not resentful, for it is not a sign of a generous person to remember the injustices he suffered but to ignore them.
He does not talk about people, either himself or others, for he does not want people to praise or despise others. And he himself neither praises himself nor slanders his enemies unless he is offended.
In unavoidable or insignificant matters he does not protest or ask for help, for only those who take them seriously would behave in this way.
His movements are slow, his voice heavy, and his words measured. Because he who takes few matters seriously does not hurry, nor gets upset he who considers nothing too important.
He bears all kinds of misfortunes with dignity, and always does his best according to circumstances, just as the capable general uses the powers at his disposal in the most effective manner.
He is himself his own best friend, and he likes solitude, while the man without virtue and ability is himself's worst friend and fears solitude.
This is Aristotle's superman."
Excerpted from Will Durant's book, The Adventure of Philosophy.
