Aristotle was the first philosopher to write ethical treatises. His best-known work in this field, The Nicomachean Ethics, consists of 10 books addressing the question of how the individual should best live. For Aristotle, ethics seeks to determine what makes a virtuous character possible, which is essential for a state of well-being. He describes a sequence of necessary steps to achieve this, such as righteous actions that promote the development of the right habits. He examines the moral virtues and their corresponding vices, like courage versus fear, temperance versus extravagance, and patience versus anger. He contends engaging interaction with others. Considered to be one of the most important historical philosophical works, The Nicomachean Ethics became a cornerstone of medieval philosophy and contributed to the development of all modern philosophy as well as European theology and law.