Golden Mean

"Aurea Mediocritas", I learned in my Latin studies of Horace.  In his  poetry "The Odes" - Book II:X (which by the way is in the middle of XX chapters), he describes the Golden Mean.  Is moderation - mediocrity?  Or is moderation the virtue of self control?

The early Greek philosophers felt that beauty has three ingredients - symmetry, proportion and harmony.  These ingredients are evident everywhere - nature, mathematics, science, behavior, art, etc.  The Golden Mean has been an integral part of my personal philosophy.  Stressed by my parents, moderation provides an equilibrium of peace and a balance of virtue.

Yes - balance of virtues.  After all, even a virtue in excess can be unhealthy.  Too much courage - recklessness.  Too much patience - no action.

The "moderates" in politics (independents) are sometimes criticized for their lack of convictions - or even flip flopping in ideologies.  Yet it will be the moderates that determine the upcoming election. They become the Golden Mean.

"Auream quisquis mediocritatem  - Who makes the golden mean his guide
diligit, tutus caret obsoleti              -  Shuns miser's cabin, foul and dark
sordibus tecti, caret invidenda        -  Shuns gilded roofs, where pomp and pride
sobrius aula."                                  -  are envy's mark

Translation:John Conington