"There is no place for leisure in political activities"

"IT is obvious that there is no place for leisure in political activities. But a man wants something besides mere participation in politics, like positions of power and honor; and-since these objectives do not constitute the ultimate end, as was pointed out in the first book (60-72) it is rather fitting that by means of politics a person should wish to obtain happiness for himself and everyone else; happiness of this kind sought in political life is distinct from political life itself, and in fact we do seek it as something distinct. This is contemplative happiness to which the whole of political life seems directed; as long as the arrangement of political life establishes and preserves peace giving men the opportunity of contemplating truth."

~St. Thomas Aquinas: Commentary on the Nicomachean Ethics, Bk 10, Lect. 11.

■ Online translation of the Commentary at DHS Priory.

■ Also, see this excellent translation from Dumb Ox Books at Amazon