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Single Idea 7359

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / f. The Mean ]

Full Idea

Excess and deficiency are equally at fault.

Gist of Idea

Excess and deficiency are equally at fault

Source

Kongzi (Confucius) (The Analects (Lunyu) [c.511 BCE], XI.16)

Book Ref

Confucius: 'The Sayings of Confucius', ed/tr. Ware,James R. [Mentor 1955], p.72


A Reaction

This is the sort of wisdom we admire in Aristotle (and in any sensible person), but it may also be the deepest motto of conservatism, and it is a long way from romantic philosophy, and the clarion call of Nietzsche to greater excitement in life.


The 8 ideas from Kongzi (Confucius)

Confucianism assumes that all good developments have happened, and there is only one Way [Norden on Kongzi (Confucius)]
All men prefer outward appearance to true excellence [Kongzi (Confucius)]
People who control others with fluent language often end up being hated [Kongzi (Confucius)]
Excess and deficiency are equally at fault [Kongzi (Confucius)]
Do not do to others what you would not desire yourself [Kongzi (Confucius)]
Men of the highest calibre avoid political life completely [Kongzi (Confucius)]
Humans are similar, but social conventions drive us apart (sages and idiots being the exceptions) [Kongzi (Confucius)]
The virtues of the best people are humility, maganimity, sincerity, diligence, and graciousness [Kongzi (Confucius)]