Aristotle’s conceptualization of the universe was based on the idea of teleology, that is, everything had a purpose or a final end point - which is rest. Thus, a ball’s final resting place is the ground and when it is thrown up, it moves towards that final resting place on the floor. Thanks to Newton’s first law of motion, Aristotle’s idea no longer relevant in a scientific context. However, I think it still has a metaphorical extension that is still applicable in a psychological and spiritual sense. This metaphor suggests that the human soul has a natural tendency to strive towards a higher purpose or state of being, which can be seen as the final resting place of the human spirit.
However, negative emotions and actions can act as weights that draw the soul towards a state of unrest, which can be seen as the depths of hell. This metaphorical extension of Aristotle’s universe has implications for how we live our lives. It suggests that we should strive towards a higher purpose or state of being, and avoid negative emotions and actions that can weigh us down. By doing so, we can achieve a state of spiritual rest and fulfillment. The metaphor of the soul as a traveler on a journey towards a final resting place can help us understand the importance of living a purposeful and virtuous life.