Nichomachean Ethics Warped My Mind; There Must Be a Mean

"I wish," said Martin, "she may one day make you very happy; but I doubt it very much."
"You are very hard of belief," said Candide.
"I have lived," said Martin.

What powerful words from such a truly jaded individual. To have lived! But at what degree has Martin lived? He has set his expectations to bare minimum in utter pessimism, while on the other hand, Candide manipulates reality to find right in wrong. Neither approach is correct, yet both have potential to move into the light. After I commented on Brittany's blog, I took into consideration how although Martin has a very active role in Candide's life, serving and protecting his innocent little charge in spite of all else. While certainly a redeemable quality in society, it does not change the jadedness of Martin's heart. "It is evident that one must travel" (Candide in XVIII). Yes, Candide, one must travel. But one must also be open to new possibilities and opportunities for learning rather than forcing down yesterday's meal time and time again. Candide travels, but he does not allow it to change him. Plato might say Candide enjoys the coolness of the cave far too much. Martin, by contrast, has travelled indeed, but allowed the sunlight outside of the cave to burn him. He forgot there are trees and reflecting pools (ahem, Mashburn) to soak in what has happened and process it. Martin continues to travel but hardens himself to hope. Somehow, we must find the proper mean of Candide and Martin...

COMMENTED ON BRITTANY'S