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Thus much, however, is plain, that the mean state is

praiseworthy, in virtue of which we are angry with those with

whom, and at those things with which, we ought to be angry, and

in right manner, and so on; while the excesses and defects are

blameable, slightly so if only slight, more so if greater, and

when considerable very blameable.

It is clear, therefore, that the mean state is what we are to

hold to.

This then is to be taken as our account of the various moral

states which have Anger for their object-matter.

Chapter VIII.

Next, as regards social intercourse and interchange of words and

acts, some men are thought to be Over-Complaisant who, with a

view solely to giving pleasure, agree to everything and never

oppose, but think their line is to give no pain to those they are

thrown amongst: they, on the other hand, are called Cross and

Contentious who take exactly the contrary line to these, and

oppose in everything, and have no care at all whether they give

pain or not.