The middle way without a middle: A dialogue between the confucian zhongyong and the rabbinic derech haemtza

This paper discusses two concepts of the Middle Way: The Rabbinic Derech HaEmtza and the Confucian Zhongyong. The two concepts are similar to Aristotelian Mean in many ways but also differ from it in that they tend to move away from a fixed middle point. Given their similarities, the concepts are explored in two parts: Part One reveals a clear connection between the Golden Mean and the Golden Rule by a comparative reading of two main texts on the Middle Way; i.e., Pirki Avoth 2:1 and the first part of Zhongyong. Part Two discusses different approaches of the two traditions towards the Middle Way based on additional classical texts from the two traditions. While Confucianism tends to view this notion as manifest in internal feelings and virtues, Rabbinic Judaism attaches it more to concrete actions.