Imagine Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, in the modern world with a smartphone in hand. Known for his teachings on ethics, logic, and the pursuit of happiness, which apps would he find most useful? Aristotle’s philosophy, centered around the concept of the “Golden Mean” and the importance of a balanced life, would guide his choices. Let’s explore five smartphone apps that Aristotle would likely use today.
1. Balance – For Mindfulness and Meditation:
Aristotle understood the importance of mental well-being in achieving eudaimonia (happiness or flourishing). Balance, a personalized meditation app, would align with his belief in nurturing the mind for a balanced life. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,” he said, and Balance would help in this journey of self-awareness and inner peace.
2. Evernote – For Organizing Thoughts and Knowledge:
As a philosopher who greatly valued knowledge and organization, Aristotle would appreciate Evernote for its ability to store and categorize information. “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know,” he once stated. Evernote would serve as a modern tool for capturing, organizing, and reflecting on his ceaseless pursuit of knowledge.
3. Strava – For Physical Fitness and Virtue:
Physical training was essential in Aristotle’s concept of virtue. Strava, an app that tracks physical activities like running and cycling, would appeal to his belief in maintaining physical health as part of overall well-being. “Happiness is a state of activity,” Aristotle claimed, and Strava would encourage this active lifestyle.
4. Kindle – For Reading and Continuous Learning:
Aristotle was an avid proponent of lifelong learning. The Kindle app would be his gateway to the vast world of literature and philosophy, aligning with his insatiable thirst for learning. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it,” would be his guiding principle while exploring diverse perspectives through books.
5. SkyView – For Exploring the Cosmos:
Aristotle’s interest in the natural world, especially astronomy, makes SkyView an ideal app for him. It allows users to explore stars, constellations, and planets, aligning with his fascination with the cosmos. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light,” he might say, gazing at the night sky through SkyView.
Conclusion: In today’s digital era, these apps would resonate with Aristotle’s philosophy, aiding in the pursuit of knowledge, self-awareness, physical fitness, and the appreciation of the natural world – all key elements of his teachings for a fulfilling life.
Geoff Willis is an accomplished restaurateur and chef with over two decades in the culinary world, blending his passion for gastronomy with an extensive study of philosophy. Known for his innovative approach to cooking and deep commitment to sustainable practices, Geoff combines the art of flavors with philosophical insights, offering readers a unique perspective on food and life.