Who said “What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.”?

Verified

Aristotle. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceBook III, 5

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Book III, 5.

APA

Aristotle (n.d.). What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13603-what-it-lies-in-our-power-to-do/

MLA

Aristotle. “What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13603-what-it-lies-in-our-power-to-do/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Aristotle. “What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13603-what-it-lies-in-our-power-to-do/.

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