He argued that as humans, we possess unique functions that lie between reason and emotion. To attain happiness, good character and moral virtue must be acquired, as the soul can only find happiness through the Golden Mean. The Golden Mean consists of three integral components that make it “golden.” Firstly, it requires the individual to achieve a state of equilibrium, where their character is balanced and not excessively extreme or deficient. Equilibrium entails making appropriate choices at the right time and in the appropriate context.
The second element revolves around establishing equilibrium centered on the individual rather than the whole. According to the New World Encyclopedia, Aristotle’s ethics do not adhere to a universal framework; instead, he seeks the mean that suits an individual’s particular circumstances. What brings fulfillment to one person may not have the same effect on another. Each human being is unique and should determine their own mean.
Furthermore, the third element asserts that every virtue should lie between two vices. Similar to the mean, virtue represents a state of balance situated between two extremes.
Aristotle argues that when a person’s character tends towards excess or deficiency, it leads to negative outcomes. On the other hand, if a person’s character is closer to the middle (virtue), they receive positive feedback. Thus, all three elements – excess, deficiency, and virtue – are crucial for leading a virtuous and joyful life. However, Aristotle does not suggest that virtue should be precisely located between two vices; instead, it lies somewhere in the middle. Therefore, humans face difficulty in determining the precise correct path of action.
No one always knows the correct answer or what is appropriate in a situation. There is a struggle in finding the mean, such as a general who must seek courage, which is the mean between cowardice and foolhardiness, in order to gain honor. Similarly, a person who seeks pleasure through eating must find the mean between being a glutton and starvation. Moreover, a person who seeks knowledge must find the mean between ignorance and seeking knowledge excessively, as excess knowledge is not wisdom but rather a cunning mind (New World Encyclopedia).
An example of favoring one vice over another is experiencing intense anger when a family member is murdered. This reaction may align more with the excess vice rather than indifference or moderation. However, in such a situation, feeling anger can be considered virtuous. On the other hand, if someone accidentally spills water on their pants, it is virtuous to lean towards indifference. The quest for balance in life can be challenging. It is not always simple to consistently embody virtue and make the right choices, particularly when they may not be the most convenient ones.
Everyday decisions are made based on both emotion and logic, and Aristotle emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between the two. After exploring the concept of the Golden Mean and its role in achieving happiness, I have identified three key principles to enhance my life. First, it is important to “set realistic goals” with the right intention as the foundation. The objective should not be to overpower others, but rather to make informed choices with a suitable blend of reason and emotion.
Instead of being completely selfish or completely selfless, finding the balance suggests that you can help yourself while helping others. Helping others brings joy to me, and if I do not necessarily want to do what another person asks, I can think of the joy it brings them when I help. That can help me with keeping the balance in the right place because in the end it benefits my happiness. Step two is “knowing your limits.” There is only so much energy and emotion a person can give out to others before there is a deficiency. The Golden Mean is meant for balance and not for constantly being on the run (both literally and figuratively).
When visiting a bar or working on a project, individuals often have an understanding of their limits, including how many drinks they can consume before losing consciousness and how many hours they can study before becoming overwhelmed. However, pushing oneself excessively can lead to failure in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, adhering to the principle of the Golden Mean. To stay on track, it is helpful to establish reasonable and sensible objectives if one tends to deviate from the desired course. Additionally, contemplating one’s life or common scenarios plays a role in attaining the Golden Mean. Similarly, recognizing and addressing personal needs is just as crucial as tending to the needs of others.
While everyone desires success and financial prosperity, it is equally important to prioritize strong family and friendship connections. If one is feeling discontent, reflecting on the underlying reasons becomes crucial. Often, this dissatisfaction arises from drifting towards extremes and experiencing a sense of imbalance. As a university student living far away from my hometown, I often struggle with this imbalance. Balancing academic pursuits while maintaining close ties with loved ones presents a challenge for me. However, achieving a harmonious equilibrium is essential in order to preserve my overall happiness.
My main focus at the moment is studying. However, I am fully aware that without the support and love of my family, my life would feel unbalanced and I would struggle with emotional challenges. I have discovered that maintaining a fifty/fifty balance between my personal and academic life brings me genuine happiness. It is often harder to improve one’s own life than to assist others. The concept of the Golden Mean offers helpful guidelines for achieving success and happiness. When feeling unhappy, I rarely take time to reflect on what may have gone wrong or how to make improvements. Despite not being recognized by everyone, I tend to experience a significant amount of stress in my daily life.
I am an extremist and I attribute the reasoning behind my constant emotional battle to these personality deficiencies. However, discovering Aristotle’s theories on the Golden Mean and finding the appropriate virtuous balance has enlightened me to a different mindset and lifestyle. Instead of gravitating towards one extreme, as I am prone to do in every scenario, I will now take the time to consider what would bring about everyone’s contentment. Based on my own encounters, deviating from equilibrium and leaning towards extremes result in adverse consequences that distance one from achieving happiness.
