Basil Quote by Dorotheus of Gaza
“Virtues are in the middle, the royal way about which the saintly elder (Saint Basil the Great) said, "Travel on the royal way and count the miles." As I said, the virtues are at the midpoint between excess and laxness. That is why it is written, "Do not turn to the right or the left" (Prov 4:27) but travel on the "royal way" (Num. 20:17). Saint Basil also says, "The person who does not allow his thoughts to incline towards excess or deprivation but directs it to the midpoint, that of virtue, is upright in heart."”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On Virtue, Saint Basil the Great, 4th century
Virtue lies between excess and deficiency; the balanced middle path is the royal way.
In simple terms: Virtue is the balanced middle.
Key Takeaway
Aim for moderation.
Themes
virtue
balance
moderation
ethics
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- daily decision making
- financial planning
- health habits
Key Concepts
golden mean
moral philosophy
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify excess in your life?
- What guides you toward the middle path?
A Different Perspective
Finding the middle can be ambiguous.
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