Page "Theophrastus" Paragraph 49

Theophrastus did not allow a happiness resting merely upon virtue, or, consequently, to hold fast by the unconditional value of morality.

He subordinated moral requirements to the advantage at least of a friend, and had allowed in prosperity the existence of an influence injurious to them.

In later times, fault was found with his expression in the Callisthenes, " life is ruled by fortune, not wisdom ," ().

That in the definition of pleasure, likewise, he did not coincide with Aristotle, seems to be indicated by the titles of two of his writings, one of which dealt with pleasure generally, the other with pleasure as Aristotle had defined it.

Although, like his teacher, he preferred contemplative ( theoretical ), to active ( practical ) life, he preferred to set the latter free from the restraints of family life, etc.

in a manner of which Aristotle would not have approved.