Aristotle and the Seven Deadly Sins
Let us see if we can combine Aristotle's theory of the Golden Mean, which holds that the good is a ratio, virtue lies in the middle ground between two extremes, and that the ethical behavior is in between one extreme of excess and one extreme of deficiency, with the Christian doctrine of the Seven Deadly Sins, defining each sin as an extreme of excess: My statements will always take the following form: First, the sin of excess, then, a naming of the virtuous middle virtue, then the sin of deficiency. I will then state the topic to which the degrees of too much or too little pertain. Take this example: Too Much, Just Right, Too Little. Virtue. (1) Lust, Healthy Sexuality, Involuntary Celibacy. Sex. (2) Gluttony, Healthy Eating, Anorexia. Eating. (3) Envy, Inspiration from Others' Achievements, Apathy towards Goals. Comparison and Competitiveness. (4) Pride, Self-Esteem (but also being Humble and Grateful), Low Self-Esteem or Self-Criticism. Self-opinion. (5) Wrath,...