William “Boss” Tweed Anticipate Graphic Organizer

●      I can describe the “golden mean,” or middle between behaviors, to understand how moderation works in my habits.

Directions:  The Greek philosopher Aristotle urged people to seek a “golden mean” between extremes in their behavior, thoughts, and habits. In other words, Aristotle thought that any habit could be practiced with moderation, rather than extremism.

Two figures in history, Boss Tweed and Huey Long, typified the vice of immoderation. You will revisit this activity when learning about each of these characters. This activity will help you prepare for learning more about these figures and how moderation and immoderation are relevant across time.

Using the examples in the chart below, think about what would happen if you practiced the extreme of that behavior: too little or  deficiency, or too much, or immoderation or extremism. The first behavior has been done for you as an example.

Essential Vocabulary

Immoderation (extremism)	Acting in excess or to an extreme. Lacking restraint.
Moderation	The avoidance of excess of extremes.

 

Directions:  Using the examples in the chart below, think about what would happen if you practiced the extreme of that behavior: too little or a deficiency, or too much, or immoderation or extremism. The first behavior has been done for you as an example.  

Immoderation and Huey Long
Behavior or Habit	…if practiced immoderately or to an extreme	…if practiced with moderation
Exercising	Not enough: feeling unhealthy   Too much: Injuring yourself, missing out on fun opportunities or time with family and friends, losing perspective of other important things in life	maintaining good physical and mental health
Watching Netflix
Playing video games
My example:
My example: