Education & Career Trends: October 5
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Article by Thomas Oppong, published on medium.com.
We all face daily dilemmas. Should I be more assertive or less aggressive? Should I take more risks now or wait for the perfect time?
We make decisions that impact our character, relationships, and overall happiness. It’s like a constant tightrope act, trying to maintain equilibrium.
Aristotle, one of the greatest minds in history, had this remarkable concept of the Golden Mean that’s like a compass for navigating the complexities of our daily choices.
It’s like your balancing pole, helping you gracefully walk that fine line. It can help you find that sweet spot between extremes.
Or better still, the balanced middle ground between excess and deficiency in your actions and behaviours.
Aristotle analysed the golden mean in his book, Nicomachean Ethics Book II. He thought virtue lies between two extremes.
“….at the right times, about the right things, towards the right people, for the right end, and in the right way, is the intermediate and best condition, and this is proper to virtue,” he writes.
Aristotle believed that virtuous behaviour is the mean between two vices: one of excess and the other of deficiency.
It’s about cultivating virtues like courage, generosity, and temperance without going extreme.
And finding that sweet spot where you can thrive, make a difference, and find genuine fulfilment.
“Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy,” says Aristotle.
How does the golden mean apply in life?
For example, courage is a virtue.
The excess of courage would be recklessness, while the deficiency would be cowardice. In this case, the golden mean would be the right amount of courage that avoids both extremes.
Aristotle’s idea is that we can achieve a virtuous and fulfilling life by striving for balance and moderation in our actions and emotions.
“Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency,” he says.
However, the specific definition of the Golden Mean can vary depending on the context and the virtue being considered.
It requires thoughtful judgment and consideration of individual circumstances to determine the appropriate middle ground.
Aristotle’s wisdom is timeless and applicable to the hustle and bustle of today’s world.
You can use it to find the right balance between work and leisure, generosity and frugality, or even courage and caution.
When you apply the golden mean in life, you’re not overdoing anything, but you’re also not holding back. It’s about living with intention and finding that harmonious middle ground in almost everything.
In your finances:
Overpending can lead to debt, which can be challenging to repay and damage your credibility. It can also prevent you from saving for critical financial goals like retirement.
Hoarding money is also not wise. You will miss out on opportunities to enjoy your life. You may also lose money to inflation — the gradual increase in the prices of goods and services over time.
The best way to manage your finances is to find a balance between overspending and hoarding.
That means spending your money on things that are important to you while also saving for the future. It also means investing in meaningful experiences that will enrich your life.
Aristotle’s ‘Golden Mean’ encourages us to find a balance between selflessness and fiscal responsibility.
Aristotle’s idea of finding that sweet spot between excess and deficiency isn’t just some dusty old philosophy; it’s a recipe for a truly great life.
Too much focus can lead to burnout at work, while too little can hinder your progress.
Aristotle’s principle encourages you to balance leisure and productivity, making you efficient without sacrificing your well-being.
In your communication:
Being overly aggressive can harm relationships, while passivity can lead to being taken advantage of.
To find balance, express yourself assertively but respectfully, striking a balance between being too passive or too aggressive.
“Keep the golden mean between saying too much and too little,” says writer Publilius Syrus.
In friendships:
you can be neither too distant nor overly clingy. It’s about striking a balance between giving your friends space and being there for them when they need you.
On a broader scale, personal growth can benefit from the ‘Golden Mean.’ It’s about pushing yourself to grow and improve without becoming obsessive about perfection or overwhelmed by self-criticism.
“There is a proper measure in all things, certain limits beyond which and short of which right is not to be found. Who so cultivates the golden mean avoids the poverty of a hovel and the envy of a palace,” writes Roman lyric poet Horace.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s ancient wisdom is the beacon guiding us toward a life of true virtue and lasting satisfaction.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but finding that sweet spot where you can be your best self without succumbing to excess or deficiency.
Aristotle’s principle is a timeless tool that can empower you to make better choices, find balance, and lead a more meaningful life.
In your pursuit of a good life, you don’t have to go to extremes; you simply need to find that golden equilibrium.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
Why Should You Pursue a Career in Finance?
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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