Aristotle' Legacy

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” In ancient Greece, this was said by Aristotle, who was a great philosopher and scientist. As a teacher and lover of education, he contributed to future education. Intuitively, Aristotle learned from his father and Plato. His ingenious mind helped him achieve things never foreseen. Aristotle was a true scientist. 

When Aristotle was very young, he was mostly influenced by his father, Nicomachus, who was the physician to King Amyntas II. Aristotle was only seventeen when both his parents died, so he was sent to Plato’s Academy in Athens. Immediately, he became an accomplished student and a friend of Plato. After many years, Plato eventually died, and his nephew took charge of the academy. Aristotle became a teacher there. Because of the lack of leadership from Plato’s nephew, Aristotle consequently left. Traveling with his favorite pupil, he ended up on the island of Lesbos

During Aristotle’s life, he accomplished many things. He studied biology and zoology, and with that knowledge, he made an entirely new way of classifying animals. Carefully, he separated animals with blood from those without. Then he further broke down animals into genus and species. While in Athens, Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great. Aristotle wrote many things, but many are lost. The ones left are notes. Aristotle accomplished many things in his life, which have led to many advancements in our daily lives.

In his later life, Aristotle became a teacher. He founded a school in Lyceum, where he taught publicly and gave many lectures. Aristotle also built a library. Amazingly, his school and library were both free to the public, which was enthralling. Because most schools were veryexpensive, this was a blessing. Being a lifelong learner, Aristotle also studied natural science and philosophy.

Aristotle who once proclaimed, “Our problem is not that we aim too high and miss, but that we aim too low and hit.” From his early life, Aristotle always set his goals very high. During His life he wrote, educated, and studied. Ultimately, he developed his own library and school where he taught. Because of his intellect, the world has benefited. His knowledge endures.

-Michael Gwinn