Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote:“To err slightly in the mean is blameless, but large deviations are vicious.”​

“To err slightly in the mean is blameless, but large deviations are vicious.”​
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, Chapter 9
(Translated by W.D. Ross)

🔍 Core Idea

Ethical living is your life’s GPS navigation — minor detours (🛑 coffee detour) are forgivable, but ignoring reroute alerts (⛔ wrong highway exit) leads to disaster. Like a 5% speedometer tolerance, ​moral resilience thrives on small corrections, not rigid perfectionism.

❗ Why This Matters Today

📱 ​Social Media Detours
Minor error: Scroll 15 extra minutes → self-forgive ✅
Vicious deviation: 6hr binge → FOMO paralysis 🚫
Golden Path: Set 2hr limit → use Forest app → grow ​digital self-compassion 🌳

📚 ​Academic Pressure
Minor error: Cram once → adjust schedule ✅
Vicious deviation: All-nighters weekly → burnout 🚫
Golden Path: 90min study sprints → 20min breaks → achieve ​sustainable focus 🧠

🌿 ​Eco-Habit Slip-ups
Minor error: Forget reusable cup → offset next day ✅
Vicious deviation: Trash 3 bottles daily → climate guilt 🚫
Golden Path: 1 bottle saved + 1 beach cleanup/month → build ​gradual green impact 🌍

🚀 Action Steps

1. ​Error Margin Tracker
   Use Toggl Track:
   “Daily logs: 3 minor slips allowed → 1 major deviation blocked”
2. ​21-Day Course Correction
   • Week 1: Forgive 5 small errors (e.g., late start)
   • Week 2: Intercept 3 large risks (e.g., procrastination spiral)
3. ​Resilience Rally Squads
   Form 4 peers → weekly share “detour diaries” → award ​Best Recovery Navigator