“Excellence, then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean, relative to us, this being determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it.”
- 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
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Quote
“Excellence, then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean, relative to us, this being determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle defines excellence (or virtue) as a state that is determined by choice and lies in the mean between extremes. For Aristotle, excellence is not an inherent trait, but something that involves making deliberate, balanced choices guided by reason. The “mean” refers to the balance between excess and deficiency—too much of a trait or too little of it is not virtuous, but the right amount, according to reason, is what constitutes excellence. This balance is not universal but relative to each individual, and the ideal measure is determined by the person who possesses practical wisdom (phronesis), someone who can make sound, reasonable decisions based on experience and moral understanding.
Aristotle’s concept of excellence continues to be highly relevant in contemporary life, particularly in the context of personal development, ethics, and decision-making. For example, in the pursuit of work-life balance, one must find the right amount of dedication to work without neglecting personal well-being. Too much work can lead to burnout, while too little may result in underachievement. Excellence is found in the careful balance where reason and practical wisdom guide the right course of action.
A modern example might be in the realm of leadership. A leader must exhibit traits like courage, decisiveness, and compassion, but in balance. An overly courageous leader may take reckless risks, while an overly compassionate one may become ineffective. A wise leader finds the mean—making decisions that reflect a balance between action and empathy, guided by reason and experience. Aristotle’s insight reminds us that true excellence requires a mindful approach, informed by reason and understanding, that avoids extremes and strives for the most balanced, thoughtful action.
