The Golden Mean in Aristotle and Its Echoes in Early Buddhism

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The concept of the Golden Mean, introduced by Aristotle, stands out as a beacon of moderation and balance. It is a principle that resonates not only within Western philosophical traditions but also finds intriguing parallels in Eastern thought, particularly in Early Buddhism. Understanding how both traditions navigate the spectrum of human behavior through this principle offers profound insights into how to live a balanced and virtuous life.

Aristotle's Golden Mean: The Art of Balance

Aristotle's philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea of achieving virtue through balance. In his seminal work, Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle outlines the concept of the Golden Mean—a virtuous quality that exists between two extremes. According to Aristotle, virtue is not an absolute but a relative mean between deficiency and excess. This mean is not a fixed point but varies for each individual and context, making the practice of virtue an art of navigating and balancing these extremes.

Here are some key exam…