Character Quote by Aristotle
““To feel these feelings at the right time, on the right occasion, towards the right people, for the right purpose and in the right manner, is to feel the best amount of them, which is the mean amount - and the best amount is of course the mark of virtue.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, 350 BC
Virtue is achieved by feeling emotions appropriately—right amount, right context, right people, right purpose, right manner.
In simple terms: Balanced emotions reflect virtue.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate emotional balance.
Themes
virtue
emotion
balance
ethics
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- leadership
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- decision making
Key Concepts
Aristotelian ethics
golden mean
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you assess the right amount of feeling in a given situation?
- What practices help you align emotions with virtue?
A Different Perspective
Emotions are complex and may not fit a single “mean”.
