If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is

Hear now the wisdom of the ancients, spoken through the voice of Aristotle: *“If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is *nature’s way.” In these words, the philosopher reveals a truth as enduring as the mountains and as deep as the seas. For in all things—be it in the growth of a tree, the flight of a bird, or the course of human life—nature follows a path that leads toward harmony, balance, and fulfillment. To seek what is best, we must first align ourselves with that ancient order, for it was set long before kings reigned or cities were built.

What then is nature’s way? It is not the contrived artifices of pride or greed, nor the restless inventions of excess that burden the soul. Rather, it is the path of proportion, of balance, of living according to the order inscribed in the fabric of creation. A river flows to the sea because such is its nature, and in following its nature, it fulfills its destiny. So too with man: when he lives in accord with truth, virtue, and simplicity, he flourishes. When he turns away, he suffers. Aristotle, in his wisdom, saw that the better way, the higher way, is none other than the way that mirrors the order of the world itself.

Look to history for its proof. In the days of ancient Rome, there was a time when the republic grew mighty, not by indulgence or conquest alone, but by discipline, honor, and devotion to the simple virtues of citizenship. Families tended farms, soldiers served with loyalty, leaders sought the counsel of the senate. Rome was then aligned with nature’s way, rooted in balance between duty and freedom, strength and humility. But when the people turned to luxury, to excess, and to the abandonment of old virtues, the harmony was broken. What followed was decline, showing that when men forsake nature’s balance, their glory is but ashes.

Nor is this lesson found only in empires. Consider the story of George Washington, who might have ruled as king after victory in the Revolution. Yet he stepped down from power, choosing instead the humility of the farmer’s life at Mount Vernon. In this, he embodied nature’s way—to rise, but not to cling; to lead, but not to grasp. His restraint became his greatness, his harmony with the natural rhythm of power and humility became the model for a new nation. By choosing the path of balance, he secured a legacy far greater than crowns could bestow.

From these tales we learn: the “better way” is not always the louder, nor the more glittering, but the path that resonates with the eternal order of life. It is the way that fosters growth without destruction, ambition without tyranny, progress without forgetting the roots from which we came. It is the way of moderation, of respect for the rhythms of earth, body, and soul.

Let this teaching guide you, O children of tomorrow. When faced with choice, ask not, “What brings me the quickest gain?” but rather, “What accords with nature’s way? What nourishes life, steadies the spirit, and preserves harmony?” In this question lies the compass for righteous living. Do not rush after the fleeting; seek instead the path that endures, as rivers endure, as mountains endure.

Therefore, practice this wisdom daily: rise with the rhythm of the sun, honor the body with moderation, nurture the earth that feeds you, cultivate virtues that align with the good of all. Let your work serve not only yourself but the balance of your community. And when temptation calls you toward excess, remember that nature’s way is the better way, though it may seem humbler.

Thus the truth is this: greatness lies not in resisting nature, but in embracing her order. To walk with her is to find the better way, to live in harmony with life itself. This is the path of wisdom, the path of strength, the path that leads not to ruin, but to fulfillment everlasting.