“ Every virtue is a mean between two extremes, each of which is a vice. ”
Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy (1945). copy citation
Author | Bertrand Russell |
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Source | A History of Western Philosophy |
Topic | vice virtue |
Date | 1945 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/History%20of%20Western%20Philosoph... |
Context
“That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat,
Of habits devil, is angel, yet in this,
That to the use of actions fair and good
He likewise gives a frock or livery
That aptly is put on.
We now come to the famous doctrine of the golden mean. Every virtue is a mean between two extremes, each of which is a vice. This is proved by an examination of the various virtues. Courage is a mean Between cowardice and rashness; liberality, between prodigality and meanness; proper pride, between vanity and humility; ready wit, between buffoonery and boorishness;”
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