Dad Said it Best
Age-Old Truths for Modern Times
“Moderation in all things.”
Borrowing from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, my father imprinted this bit of wisdom upon me at just about every turn in life.
Whether I was training for cross country or track, joining a cause or falling in love, my father always warned me to slow down, count the cost and NOT go all out from the start line, or I’d wind up depleted, exhausted and unable to complete the race, retain my composure, or recoup my own sense of identity.
“You’ll never get ahead by wearing yourself out,” he’d say. “Slow down!” “Look before you leap.” “Don’t burn your candle at both ends.” “Pace yourself.”
Each of these precautions refer back to Aristotle and his Doctrine of the Mean, which recommends finding the middle ground (mean) between excess and deficiency. An example of this is Aristotle’s presentation of courage as the happy medium between the extreme of rash action and the deficiency of cowardice, as the range of possible reactions a person could have in the face of danger.
Scripture also supports this ethic, as in Corinthians 6:12: “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
In light of all this, next time you feel compelled to jump into the deep end of something new, step back, take a few deep breaths and contemplate the concept of moderation in all things. It’s no secret that — up until this coronavirus crisis put a sudden halt to our regular get-up-and-go routines — we’re an over-scheduled, hyper-digitized, super-obligated, results-based society. We tend to over-do just about everything, then we pay the price with increased stress, emotional outbursts, physical ailments and generally bad attitudes.
“Take a chill pill” may be the modern equivalent of this ancient maxim. Give it a try. Before returning to hyperdrive, prepare to exercise your right to slow down and even say ‘no.’ It’s a liberating experience to not be dominated by anything.
