“The eyes of some persons are large, others small, and others of a moderate size; the last-mentioned are the best. And some eyes are projecting, some deep-set, and some moderate, and those which are deep-set have the most acute vision in all animals; the middle position is a sign of the best disposition.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“The eyes of some persons are large, others small, and others of a moderate size; the last-mentioned are the best. And some eyes are projecting, some deep-set, and some moderate, and those which are deep-set have the most acute vision in all animals; the middle position is a sign of the best disposition.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle examines the physical characteristics of eyes and connects them to the concept of balance and moderation, which he often associates with virtue. He suggests that the ideal eye size and position fall somewhere in the middle: moderate in size and set in a balanced position. This balance is seen as a reflection of a well-balanced nature, both physically and morally. Eyes that are too large or too small, or that are too projecting or too deep-set, may not function as well or may be less reflective of a harmonious disposition. Aristotle claims that the eyes that are in the middle range (neither too large nor too small, and neither too deep-set nor too projecting) are associated with the best dispositions and the sharpest vision.
This idea ties into Aristotle’s broader philosophy of the Golden Mean, where virtues are found in the balance between extremes. Just as in his moral philosophy, where virtue is the balance between deficiency and excess (e.g., courage is the balance between cowardice and recklessness), the ideal physical traits are also found in moderation. In this case, the balance of eye size and positioning represents an ideal, where function (in this case, vision) and form (the disposition) align optimally.
In modern terms, this idea of moderation can be seen in various aspects of health, well-being, and appearance. Just as extreme body types or features might be associated with particular conditions or challenges, a balanced, moderate condition is often seen as the healthiest or most effective. In psychology or personal development, too, Aristotle’s perspective suggests that a balanced temperament and moderation in desires lead to the best outcomes, both mentally and physically. It reminds us that in both nature and character, the middle ground often represents the most optimal or desirable state.
