The golden mean in ethics, as in physics, is the centre of…
“The golden mean in ethics, as in physics, is the centre of the system and that about which all revolve, and though to a distant and plodding planet it be an uttermost extreme, yet one day, when that planet's year is completed, it will be found to be central.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The optimal ethical stance is a balanced center, much like a planet’s orbit, even if it seems distant or extreme.
In simple terms: Balance is the ethical center.
Seek equilibrium in actions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal decisionmaking
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify the central point in a moral dilemma?
- What risks arise from over‑balancing?
Balancing extremes can be impractical in urgent crises.