Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath who lived from 384 to 322 BCE. He is one of the most significant figures in Western philosophy, and his works cover a wide range of subjects including metaphysics, ethics, politics, logic, biology, and aesthetics. Here are some key points about Aristotle:

### Early Life and Education
- **Birth**: Aristotle was born in Stagira, a small town in northern Greece.
- **Lyceum**: He studied under Plato at the Academy in Athens, where he remained for about 20 years.

### Major Contributions
- **Logic**: Aristotle developed syllogistic logic and wrote the "Organon," a collection of works focusing on logic and scientific reasoning.
- **Metaphysics**: He explored the nature of being, existence, and reality. His concept of "substance" and "essence" are foundational in metaphysical discussions.
- **Ethics**: In "Nicomachean Ethics," Aristotle presents virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of character and the role of reason in achieving the good life (eudaimonia).
- **Politics**: In "Politics," he examines different political systems and advocates for a balanced government, emphasizing the role of the middle class.
- **Biology**: Aristotle’s observational studies laid the groundwork for biological classification and empirical observation.

### Influences
- His work influenced a wide range of fields, including theology, science, and philosophy, and he is seen as a precursor to modern scientific methods.
- Aristotle's ideas have been foundational in both the Western and Islamic philosophical traditions.

### Key Concepts
- **The Golden Mean**: The idea that virtue lies between extremes, promoting moderation in moral behavior.
- **Teleology**: The notion that everything has a purpose or end goal (telos), which is a significant part of his natural philosophy.

### Later Life and Legacy
- **Stagira**: After the death of Plato, Aristotle returned to Macedonia, where he tutored Alexander the Great.
- **The Lyceum**: He founded his own school in Athens called the Lyceum.
- **Influence on Christianity**: His works were later integrated into Christian theology, particularly through the efforts of thinkers like Thomas Aquinas.

### Death
- Aristotle died in 322 BCE in Euboea, Greece. His writings continued to be studied throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages, with a resurgence during the Renaissance.

### Impact on Modern Thought
- Aristotle's ideas continue to influence contemporary thought in various disciplines, from ethics and politics to scientific methodology.

Aristotle’s integration of empirical observation with systematic reasoning made him a pivotal figure in the development of knowledge across many domains. His legacy remains relevant, continuing to inspire inquiry and debate in philosophy and science.
