The Golden Mean: The Wisdom of Civilization in the Age of AI

Fundacja Dobre Państwo • January 2, 2026 • 🇵🇱 Polski

Introduction

The idea of the golden mean, present in great civilizations, is not merely a philosophical abstraction. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), it becomes a crucial tool for risk management. This article demonstrates how the ancient wisdom of China, India, Islam, and Judaism offers practical models of balance. These translate into concrete strategies for politics, ethics, and technology, helping to navigate between the extremes of progress and stagnation.

The Golden Mean: Definitions from Ancient Civilizations

Ancient civilizations developed four complementary models of the golden mean. In China, the Confucian principle of Zhongyong is a dynamic calibration of roles and emotions, rather than a static point. The Indian tradition, through the Buddhist Middle Way, teaches the rejection of the extremes of hedonism and asceticism in favor of the cultivation of will. In Islam, the concept of wasatiyya combines moderation with justice, creating norms that the community can uphold. Judaism, in the thought of Maimonides, views the mean as a path back to balance, even allowing for temporary "extreme therapies."

Ancient Wisdom: Practical Lessons for Modern Times

The practical lessons from these traditions are surprisingly relevant today. The Chinese emphasis on ritual inspires debate moderation protocols that curb polarization. Indian discipline translates into work ergonomics and rest and recovery. The Islamic principle of "bearability" of norms suggests designing public policies with a "carrying capacity test" for society. Western political thought has institutionalized this idea. Aristotle saw stability in the middle class, Montesquieu in the separation of powers, and John Stuart Mill in liberal compromise.

The Golden Mean: Key to Managing AGI Development

In the face of artificial general intelligence (AGI) development, the golden mean becomes a condition for survival. It is crucial to avoid two extremes: naive techno-utopia and paralyzing fear. AGI ethics requires continuous calibration between innovation and safety. The main political challenge is finding a path between total state control and wild market deregulation. A potential solution is a polycentric model, where states, corporations, and non-governmental organizations form a common oversight network. Future scenarios depend on this balance – whether AGI complements us or renders us obsolete.

Conclusion

Applying the golden mean carries both opportunities and risks. The opportunity lies in stabilization and equitable development. The risk is mistaking it for passivity or a convenient centrism that averages truth with falsehood. Its ultimate role in the modern world is to be an active virtue, not a mechanical compromise. It is the art of grasping the right proportion. A wisdom that is not spectacular, but requires the courage to weigh arguments. For the golden mean has never been the easiest path. It is a narrow path, requiring balance like a tightrope suspended over an abyss. And that is precisely why it is the only path worth taking.

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Summary

"The Golden Mean: The Wisdom of Civilization in the Age of AI" explores the timeless concept of moderation and balance in the context of contemporary technological challenges. It examines the philosophical and cultural foundations of the golden mean, drawing from Chinese (Zhongyong), Indian (Middle Way), Islamic (wasatiyya), and Jewish (Derekh emtsa'it) traditions. It presents practical applications of these principles in governance, public policy, and personal ethics, offering concrete methodologies and algorithms that aid in system regulation, willpower hygiene, and managing extremes. The aim is to demonstrate how ancient wisdom can serve as a compass in the dynamic world of AI, promoting antimaximization and an economy of moderation for a better future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of the “golden mean” in the context of the AI era?

The main message is the need to find and maintain a dynamic balance, avoid extremes, and calibrate actions and systems to ensure stability and durability in the face of technological and societal challenges.

How do different civilizations define and practice the idea of moderation?

The Chinese tradition (Zhongyong) focuses on regulating the rhythm and amplitude of the system, the Indian tradition (Middle Way) on the hygiene of will and cognition, the Islamic tradition (wasatiyya) on justice and the carrying capacity of community norms, and the Jewish tradition (Derekh emtsa’it) on character therapy and the creative combination of opposites.

What are the specific applications of the “golden mean” in the economy?

In the economy, the "golden mean" is reflected in anti-overshoot regulations (limits on financial leverage), work ergonomics (regeneration rhythms), policy sustainability tests (taxes, benefits) and within the framework of financial and existential balance (tzedakah, Shabbat).

What is the anti-maximization principle and how does it affect management?

Anti-maximization is the principle of avoiding overload and overshooting, even with good things, because overdoing it leads to negative consequences. In management, this means setting buffers, limiting resource utilization, and avoiding exploitation to the very bottom.

How can the “golden mean” help moderate public debates?

The Confucian concept of zhongyong suggests designing the format of debate to regulate the amplitude of emotions and arguments. Through ritual recognition, equal statements, and summaries, polarization is limited and space for harmony of perspectives is created.

Does “therapy of extremes” mean giving up the golden mean?

No, extremes therapy, inspired by Maimonides' Judaism, is a conscious, temporary deviation from the center in order to return to a new, stable equilibrium. It is a "shock therapy" method for individuals or teams to correct dangerous deviations from course.