Book 4 / Chapter 8
Paragraph 4 - The Three Means in Life
Explanation - Part By Part
"The means in life that have been described, then, are three in number, and are all concerned with an interchange of words and deeds of some kind."
Aristotle is summing up his earlier points by saying there are three virtues or "means" related to how we interact with others through words and actions. These are ways of achieving balance in social behavior—neither going to extremes nor falling short. These "means" are important because human life involves constant interaction with others, and these virtues guide us in doing so effectively and appropriately.
"They differ, however, in that one is concerned with truth; and the other two with pleasantness."
Aristotle is explaining that the different "means" or balanced approaches in social behavior can be grouped based on their focus. One of them is about being truthful in communication—staying honest without exaggerating or understating anything, which is about presenting things as they are. The other two, however, are centered around creating enjoyment or pleasantness when interacting with others: one through humor (making jokes in a tasteful way) and the other through general social behavior (being agreeable and kind in everyday interactions). So, he is identifying truth and pleasantness as distinct areas where balance is crucial.
"Of those concerned with pleasure, one is displayed in jests, the other in the general social intercourse of life."
Aristotle is explaining that there are two ways people interact and find pleasure in social situations. One involves humor and joking around (jests), where people make others laugh and create lighthearted moments. The other involves everyday interactions or conversations in normal social settings (general social intercourse of life), where people connect with one another in a more casual and non-joking way. Both are important parts of how humans engage with each other and experience enjoyable relationships in life.