Analyzing and Applying Aristotle’s Golden Mean
Aristotle’s Golden Mean was summarized wonderfully by Christopher Brown, “Aristotle’s Golden Mean is the concept of the perfect medium between extremes” (Brown). According to Aristotle, moderation is a keystone of virtuous behavior. Moderation is relative to each person. Aristotle suggests that each person temper their own styles and extremes (Adler and Proctor II). For example, if a person was naturally easy to anger, then that person should strive to moderate their anger but not to eliminate it entirely. In addition to relative moderation, the temperance should be suitable for the circumstance (Adler and Proctor II). Meaning, there are times that reasonably call for anger or other emotions which fall within the excess category. The three categories of behavior are excess, mean, and deficit.
Acting moderately can change many relationships that one might have. For instance, my relationship with my significant other might not be as strong if I was more moderate in my expression of affection. In my …show more content…
Generally, moderation or balance in emotional expression will not be of any detriment to the individual. Excess can be used to show significance, as demonstrated above. Moderation would remove the significance of personal relationships. The concept of moderating yourself uniquely and the ability to use an extreme, when it is necessary, allows for a diverse society. Excesses and deficits can have a profound impact on the world. For example, most major scientists, inventors, writers, and political figures of the past have been reported as being extremely excessive or majorly deficit in their expressions. Those individuals placed their focus away from socially accepted moderation and amazing things were produced as a result. Overall, Aristotle’s Golden Mean is a good concept but a difficult one to put into
Aristotle’s Golden Mean was summarized wonderfully by Christopher Brown, “Aristotle’s Golden Mean is the concept of the perfect medium between extremes” (Brown). According to Aristotle, moderation is a keystone of virtuous behavior. Moderation is relative to each person. Aristotle suggests that each person temper their own styles and extremes (Adler and Proctor II). For example, if a person was naturally easy to anger, then that person should strive to moderate their anger but not to eliminate it entirely. In addition to relative moderation, the temperance should be suitable for the circumstance (Adler and Proctor II). Meaning, there are times that reasonably call for anger or other emotions which fall within the excess category. The three categories of behavior are excess, mean, and deficit.
Acting moderately can change many relationships that one might have. For instance, my relationship with my significant other might not be as strong if I was more moderate in my expression of affection. In my …show more content…
Generally, moderation or balance in emotional expression will not be of any detriment to the individual. Excess can be used to show significance, as demonstrated above. Moderation would remove the significance of personal relationships. The concept of moderating yourself uniquely and the ability to use an extreme, when it is necessary, allows for a diverse society. Excesses and deficits can have a profound impact on the world. For example, most major scientists, inventors, writers, and political figures of the past have been reported as being extremely excessive or majorly deficit in their expressions. Those individuals placed their focus away from socially accepted moderation and amazing things were produced as a result. Overall, Aristotle’s Golden Mean is a good concept but a difficult one to put into