Protrepticus

work by Aristotle

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July 17, 2026

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The Protrepticus was a lost work by Aristotle that served as an "exhortation" to philosophy. Reconstructed from ancient quotations, it argues that everyone must engage in philosophy, as even debating its practice is a form of philosophizing. Aristotle posited that the highest form of philosophy is the contemplation of the natural world, a purpose for which humans were divinely endowed with intellect. He asserted that external factors like strength, beauty, or honor are ultimately worthless compared to this intellectual pursuit. The work reflects Aristotle's early philosophical ideas, showing a strong influence from his teacher, Plato.12

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Aristotle
The Academy
Another youthful work, the Protrepticus (“Exhortation”), has been reconstructed by modern scholars from quotations in various works from late antiquity. Everyone must do philosophy, Aristotle claims, because even arguing against the practice of philosophy is itself a form of philosophizing. The best form of philosophy is the contemplation of…
Read More
Another youthful work, the Protrepticus (“Exhortation”), has been reconstructed by modern scholars from quotations in various works from late antiquity. Everyone must do philosophy, Aristotle claims, because even arguing against the practice of philosophy is itself a form of philosophizing. The best form of philosophy is the contemplation of…
Read More