Book 2 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 1 - The Difficulty of Achieving Moral Virtue as a Mean
Explanation - Part By Part
"That moral virtue is a mean, then, and in what sense it is so, and that it is a mean between two vices, the one involving excess, the other deficiency, and that it is such because its character is to aim at what is intermediate in passions and in actions, has been sufficiently stated."
Aristotle is reaffirming a core idea in his ethical theory: moral virtue exists as a balanced "mean" between two extremes, which he calls vices. One extreme represents excess (too much of something), while the other represents deficiency (too little of something). Virtue, therefore, lies in the sweet spot between these extremes, guiding us to act and feel appropriately in various situations. This balance is the defining trait of moral virtue, as it ensures that our actions and emotions are measured and fitting, avoiding both overdoing and neglecting what is right.
"Hence also it is no easy task to be good. For in everything it is no easy task to find the middle, e.g. to find the middle of a circle is not for every one but for him who knows; so, too, any one can get angry- that is easy- or give or spend money; but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time, with the right motive, and in the right way, that is not for every one, nor is it easy; wherefore goodness is both rare and laudable and noble."
Aristotle is making the point that living a morally virtuous life isn’t something anyone can do effortlessly—it’s actually quite challenging. He compares finding virtue to finding the "middle point" of a circle. Just as only someone with the right knowledge or skill can locate the exact center of a circle, being truly virtuous requires understanding and precision. Essentially, it's about finding the right balance in our emotions and actions.
For instance, Aristotle notes that anyone can feel anger—that’s easy—or give and spend money. But the hard part is doing these things the right way: directing your anger or generosity toward the right people, in the right measure, at the right time, for the right reasons, and with the right method. This careful, measured approach is what makes virtue rare, praiseworthy, and beautiful. It’s not just about doing something; it’s about doing it well, which requires wisdom, practice, and thoughtful judgment. That, he says, is what sets true goodness apart.
"Hence he who aims at the intermediate must first depart from what is the more contrary to it, as Calypso advises- Hold the ship out beyond that surf and spray."
Aristotle is suggesting here that if we want to aim for moral virtue—what he calls "the intermediate"—we need to first steer clear of whatever is furthest from it. He likens this process to navigating a ship through rough waters, referencing Calypso's advice from Homer’s Odyssey to stay away from the dangerous surf and spray. Just as a sailor must avoid the most perilous waters to guide the ship safely, a person seeking virtue must actively avoid the extreme that is most opposed to the middle ground. This implies that our journey toward virtue requires careful navigation, constantly adjusting our thoughts and actions to avoid getting pulled too far off course by our natural tendencies or impulses.