In order to lead a life of goodness there must be a foundation of adequate health (goods of the body), adequate wealth (external goods, property), and goods of the soul (virtue, wisdom). People think that a moderate amount of virtue is enough, but set no limit to their desires of "wealth and property, power, reputation, and all such things... " - i.e. of external goods. (1323 a35-40) Happiness is more often found in those who are cultivated

According to Aristotle a proper social structure and education system will result in a life of active goodness for the individual and the collective society.

The city or ideal polis facilitates the nature of a good life. A good life is a life of active goodness involving fortitude, temperance, justice and wisdom. Aristotle is clearly against imperialist and military cities because he believes they are unjust, however he believes fortitude is a virtue because a collective readiness to defend one's country is required (but not desirable). The ideal city should not be overly populous one so that top citizens can be properly acquainted with one another.

Aristotle said we must act naturally in order to be happy. He believes nature is our guide and that nothing is good which is contrary to nature. According to Aristotle there are two types of reason that, if used well, will make you happy. The first type is calculative reason. Calculative reason is practical wisdom which leads to moral virtue. Included in the Aristotelian moral virtues are temperance, courage, liberality, gentleness, and proper pride. The idea behind this kind of practical wisdom involves knowing how to allocate time - judging the right moment to switch back and forth between practical action and intellectual activity, so as to strike the right balance between means and ends.

in their mind and in their character, and have only a moderate share of "external goods," than among those who possess extensive "external goods" but are lacking in higher qualities. The good life you lead or experience is an inner sense of well being. This is the active life of virtue and this is all for the sake of the soul. "We may therefore join in agreeing that the amount of happiness which falls to each individual man is equal to the amount of his goodness and his wisdom, and of the good and wise acts that he does." [1323b21]

Finally, Aristotle's education system is required to obtain his goal of active goodness. First,

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