Aristotle - There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. - quote. Aristotle (/ˈærɪˌstɒtəl/;Greek: Ἀριστοτέλης [aristotélɛːs], Aristotélēs; 384–322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher and scientist born in the Macedonian city of Stagirus, in 384 BCE.