Meaning: The quote you have provided comes from Irving Babbitt, an influential literary critic and educator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this quote, Babbitt is discussing the writing style of Aristotle, the renowned ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. Babbitt suggests that Aristotle's excellence of substance, or the quality and depth of his ideas, is not necessarily linked to what is commonly considered the grand style of writing. Instead, Babbitt argues that Aristotle's excellence is associated with a manner of writing that may at times verge on jargon, or specialized and technical language.

Aristotle is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Western philosophy and science. His contributions to fields such as ethics, metaphysics, logic, rhetoric, politics, and biology have had a profound and enduring influence on intellectual thought. Aristotle's works, which include foundational texts such as "Nicomachean Ethics," "Politics," "Metaphysics," and "Poetics," are characterized by their systematic and analytical approach to understanding the natural world and human behavior.

Babbitt's assessment of Aristotle's writing style invites consideration of the relationship between substance and style in philosophical and literary works. The "grand style" that Babbitt mentions typically refers to a lofty, ornate, and eloquent manner of expression often associated with classical literature and rhetoric. This style emphasizes the use of elevated language, elaborate figurative devices, and a sense of grandeur or majesty in the presentation of ideas.

Babbitt's suggestion that Aristotle's excellence of substance is not aligned with the grand style implies that the power and significance of Aristotle's ideas lie beyond superficial or ostentatious language. Instead, Babbitt seems to be arguing that Aristotle's intellectual prowess is rooted in the depth, precision, and rigor of his reasoning, rather than in the manner of his expression. This perspective aligns with Babbitt's broader advocacy for what he termed the "New Humanism," a movement that sought to prioritize the study of classical texts for the ethical and intellectual development of individuals.

Furthermore, Babbitt's assertion that Aristotle's style "at times comes perilously near jargon" suggests that Aristotle's writing may exhibit traits of technical or specialized language that could be perceived as inaccessible or overly complex. This observation raises questions about the balance between clarity and complexity in philosophical and scientific discourse. While clarity is often valued as a communicative virtue, the intricate and nuanced nature of certain philosophical concepts may necessitate the use of specialized terminology and intricate reasoning.

In evaluating Babbitt's assessment of Aristotle's writing style, it is important to recognize the historical and cultural context in which these ideas were formulated. Babbitt's views on literature and education were shaped by the intellectual milieu of his time, which was marked by debates over the purpose of education, the role of tradition in modern society, and the tensions between scientific progress and humanistic values.

Ultimately, Babbitt's reflection on Aristotle's writing style invites readers to consider the multifaceted relationship between substance and style in intellectual and artistic works. It prompts us to reflect on the ways in which the expression of profound ideas can transcend or diverge from conventional norms of stylistic elegance and accessibility, and to contemplate the enduring relevance of Aristotle's philosophical legacy in contemporary discourse.

In conclusion, Irving Babbitt's commentary on Aristotle's writing style offers a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of substance and style in intellectual and literary works. By examining the relationship between the excellence of substance and the grand style, Babbitt prompts readers to reconsider their assumptions about the presentation of profound ideas and the role of language in conveying intellectual depth. Aristotle's enduring influence as a philosopher and thinker continues to inspire scholars and readers to engage with the complexities of his ideas, transcending the stylistic conventions of his time.