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If then, as we say, good craftsmen look to the mean as…

“If then, as we say, good craftsmen look to the mean as they work, and if virtue, like nature, is more accurate and better than any form of art, it will follow that virtue has the quality of hitting the mean. I refer to moral virtue [not intellectual], for this is concerned with emotions and…” quote by Aristotle
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“If then, as we say, good craftsmen look to the mean as they work, and if virtue, like nature, is more accurate and better than any form of art, it will follow that virtue has the quality of hitting the mean. I refer to moral virtue [not intellectual], for this is concerned with emotions and actions, in which one can have excess or deficiency or a due mean.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Moral virtue lies in finding the balanced mean between excess and deficiency in emotions and actions.

In simple terms: Virtue is the balanced middle path.

Key Takeaway

Seek moderation in feelings and deeds.

Themes

ethics moderation virtue

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • conflict resolution
  • personal development
  • leadership

Key Concepts

Aristotelian ethics golden mean

Questions to Reflect On

  • What areas of your life need more balance?
  • How can you tell if you’re in excess or deficiency?
A Different Perspective

Finding the exact mean can be subjective and context‑dependent.

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