226 ARISTOTLE
A man whose activity is guided by intelligence, who cultivates his intelligence
and keeps it in the best condition, seems to be most beloved by the gods. For if the gods
have any concern for human affairs—and they seem to have—it is to be expected that
they rejoice in what is best and most akin to them, and that is our intelligence; it is also
to be expected that they requite with good those who most love and honor intelligence,
as being men who care for what is dear to the gods and who act rightly and nobly. That
a wise man, more than any other, has all these qualities is perfectly clear. Consequently,
he is the most beloved by the gods, and as such he is, presumably, also the happiest.
Therefore, we have here a further indication that a wise man attains a higher degree of
happiness than anyone.