The Golden Mean

The Golden Mean

The golden mean is the ideal middle point between two extremes. The concept of the golden mean dates back to Greek philosophy, where it was discussed in Plato's Philebus. It is a desirable middle ground in all aspects of life. Achieving the golden mean is an important goal for every human being.

Aristotle's Perspective

According to Aristotle, the best way to make decisions is to think in terms of the golden mean. This term is often used to describe virtue, as in the principle of a virtue that exists somewhere in between two extremes. For example, a general must strive to have courage, which lies in the mean between cowardice and foolhardiness. Similarly, a witness must be truthful, which is the mean between understatement and exaggeration.

Application in Design

The Golden Mean is used in the design of buildings. It is also used in drawing. You can place the golden mean on a workboard to determine the proportions of an object. However, the golden mean does not apply to the sides of a painting. For example, the golden mean applies to the entire body of the Mona Lisa. Then, you can determine the proportions of every aspect of Mona Lisa's face within the Golden Mean. Leonardo is often said to have been an "addict" of the Golden Proportion.

Moderation and Decision Making

The golden mean is a principle rooted in Aristotle's teachings on moderation. According to the philosopher, "the sweet spot is located in the middle ground between two extremes. In the case of a business decision, this sweet spot could represent a compromise between two sides. If you are in the middle, you are less likely to make a mistake than you would make if you acted boldly or cowardly.

Application in Design

A designer can use the golden mean to determine whether the elements of a design are properly proportioned. This principle is helpful for designers who wish to create more appealing compositions. However, designers should not use the golden mean as a strict rule, as it may inhibit their creativity. Instead, they should use it as a guide.

The Golden Ratio

The Golden Mean is a mathematical principle that dates back to the 15th century. The concept of the golden mean is a fundamental concept of geometry, and has a number of applications in different fields. To understand the concept, you should first understand Phi, a unique number which symbolizes the Golden Ratio.

Application in Nature and Design

The golden ratio, also called the golden section, the golden mean, and the divine proportion, is a common pattern found in nature. This principle is also commonly applied in human endeavors. The Greek letter Phi is considered to be the golden number, as it equals 1.618. It is often used in design to create a sense of artistry and beauty.

Application in Technical Analysis

The golden ratio is also widely used in technical analysis. Technical analysts and traders often use it to predict market-driven price movements. The ratio is important because traders tend to cover their losses and take profits at specific price points. In fact, traders tend to behave in predictable ways near Fibonacci lines.