Virtue vs Vice
In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle introduced the idea of the “Golden Mean”: virtue lies between two extremes — excess and deficiency. It’s a treatise on virtue and happiness (eudaimonia), built on the idea that happiness comes from a rational life lived in accordance with virtue.
Take courage, for example — a balance between cowardice (where fear paralyzes action) and recklessness (where action ignores all fear or reason). Both are vices. Both lead to bad outcomes — one through weakness, the other through chaos. Aristotle’s ethics are practical — about action, not just abstract theory. He wrote it for his son, Nicomachus.
These days, the same pattern plays out clearly in the last two U.S. administrations. Under Biden: cowardice and inaction — decisions delayed, problems left to rot (putting it mildly). Under Trump: reckless “boldness” — fast moves, no real plan (also putting it mildly, since both camps come with their own share of vices and shady motives).
Which is worse — paralysis or chaos? Good question. But Aristotle would say: neither is a virtue.
So here we are — left choosing between crooks and thugs. Though of course, this isn’t just about the U.S. They’re just the ones on stage.
