Based in Connecticut, Jeffrey Autrey is a global submission manager at Pfizer, Inc. With an abiding interest in ancient history, Jeffrey Autrey has a particular focus on philosophy across the ages. One of the core concepts of ancient Greek thought, spanning Delphic precepts and Aristotelian philosophy, is that of the “golden mean.”
As laid down by Aristotle, this moral ideal involves finding a balance between extremes. Similar to the Buddha’s middle path, it is distinct in seeking a point between the vices of deficiency and excess. For example, true courage can be described as a balance between recklessness (too much courage) and cowardice (a deficit of courage).
Seeking the golden mean through virtuous action does not place weight on either duty or positive short-term consequences. Rather, it is a matter of consistently acting in a moral way, using the capacity to reason to live a good life. Practicing virtue and following the golden mean is, in essence, a practice of intellectual reason that also has a practical end game.
As laid down by Aristotle, this moral ideal involves finding a balance between extremes. Similar to the Buddha’s middle path, it is distinct in seeking a point between the vices of deficiency and excess. For example, true courage can be described as a balance between recklessness (too much courage) and cowardice (a deficit of courage).
Seeking the golden mean through virtuous action does not place weight on either duty or positive short-term consequences. Rather, it is a matter of consistently acting in a moral way, using the capacity to reason to live a good life. Practicing virtue and following the golden mean is, in essence, a practice of intellectual reason that also has a practical end game.
