Where did the expression “The Golden Mean” come from?

The expression "The Golden Mean" is derived from ancient Greek philosophy, specifically from the teachings of Aristotle. Aristotle believed that the most successful life was one that was lived between two extremes: excess and deficiency. He referred to this as the "Golden Mean" and believed that it was the ideal balance between two extremes. Aristotle believed that the Golden Mean was the key to a successful and virtuous life, as it was the best way to avoid the pitfalls of either extreme.

The Golden Mean is still used today as a metaphor for finding a balance between two extremes. It is often used to describe situations in which one should strive to find a balance between two opposing forces. For example, one might say that one should strive to find the "Golden Mean" between work and leisure, or between personal and professional obligations.

The Golden Mean is also used to describe a type of ethical behavior. It is a belief that one should strive to find a balance between self-interest and the interests of others. This is often used to describe how one should behave in a situation, such as in business or relationships.

The Golden Mean is an important part of the philosophical tradition and has been used for centuries to describe the ideal balance between two extremes. It is a useful concept for helping to understand the complexities of life and how to find a balance between two competing forces.