Full Idea
Virtue is that state of character which chooses the mean, relative to us, in things pleasant and unpleasant, all those in respect of which a man is said to have a certain sort of character according as he enjoys or suffers pain from them.
Gist of Idea
Character is shown by what is or is not enjoyed, and virtue chooses the mean among them
Source
Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1227b08)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.32
A Reaction
The 'mean' should be understood as what is appropriate, rather than the mere average. Strong anger, for example, is sometimes appropriate. Does Aristotle rule out wild laughter, or frenetic dancing? Is a state of ecstasy wicked?