Book 2 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 2 - Finding the Mean in Moral Virtue
Explanation - Part By Part
"For of the extremes one is more erroneous, one less so; therefore, since to hit the mean is hard in the extreme, we must as a second best, as people say, take the least of the evils; and this will be done best in the way we describe."
Aristotle is building on his earlier argument about the "mean," or the balanced middle point between two extremes of behavior or emotion (which he considers moral virtue). He acknowledges that achieving this mean is extremely difficult. Since it’s so challenging to perfectly hit this balanced middle, he suggests a practical alternative: when aiming for virtue, it’s better to at least avoid the more harmful of the two extremes. In other words, if finding the perfect balance is nearly impossible, it’s wiser to lean toward the "lesser evil" – the extreme that is less damaging or erroneous – rather than falling into greater error.
"But we must consider the things towards which we ourselves also are easily carried away; for some of us tend to one thing, some to another; and this will be recognizable from the pleasure and the pain we feel."
Aristotle is emphasizing that we all have personal tendencies or habits that pull us toward one extreme or the other when it comes to our feelings and behaviors. These tendencies can vary from person to person because what draws or tempts one individual might not have the same effect on another. He suggests that we can identify these inclinations by paying attention to what gives us pleasure or pain since those emotional responses reveal where we are naturally "carried away." For instance, if someone feels pleasure when indulging in too much food but pain when practicing moderation, their natural tendency may lean toward excess in this area. Recognizing these inclinations is the first step toward correcting them.
"We must drag ourselves away to the contrary extreme; for we shall get into the intermediate state by drawing well away from error, as people do in straightening sticks that are bent."
Aristotle is giving practical advice on how to achieve balance (the "mean") in our behavior and emotions. He acknowledges that it’s hard to hit the perfect balance right away because human tendencies usually pull us toward one extreme or the other—either doing too much or too little of something. To correct for this, he suggests intentionally leaning toward the opposite extreme from where we naturally go.
He uses the example of straightening a bent stick: if a stick is bent in one direction, you don’t fix it by just pushing it a little toward the middle; instead, you have to bend it strongly in the opposite direction before it eventually settles in the straight position. Similarly, if you tend to overreact or be excessive in some area, you should consciously aim for the opposite (underreaction or restraint) until you find the right balance, the "mean."
This advice emphasizes self-awareness (know your tendencies) and deliberate action to counteract those tendencies (correct in the opposite direction), so you can achieve a balanced and virtuous state.