Full Idea
The instinct of the herd considers the middle and the mean as the highest and most valuable: the place where the majority finds itself.
Gist of Idea
The instinct of the herd, the majority, aims for the mean, in the middle
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §280)
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.159
A Reaction
The reason, I think, for Nietzsche's hostility to Aristotle. But the doctrine of the mean doesn't just seek the middle. It seeks what is appropriate. The mean for bravery and cowardice is not somewhat timid bravery; it is alarmingly brave, but sensible.