Ed. note: This is the sixth entry in a series looking at the three schools of philosophy for perspectives on relationships in our modern world. Inspired by Emerson’s “The American Scholar,” we are exploring timeless wisdom which endures to inform our approaches to learning, relationships and leadership. Click here for all the posts in this series.
The proverb “moderation in all things” has been attributed to several Greek and Roman authors. On the surface, it seems to be a great truism to keep in mind. It cautions against excess, advising that one should not have too much or too little of anything.
Moderation means to avoid extremes or to lessen the intensity.
However, this advice is a bit lacking when we try to apply it specifically.
Taking a moderate approach to business or relationships, for example, is a guaranteed path to failure.
This is demonstrated in the difficulty of starting any new endeavor; it takes a great amount of focus, energy, and determination. Entrepreneur and author Grant Cardone advises in The 10X Rule to take massive action in all areas of your life where you want to succeed. It takes much work to be successful, not merely average, at anything.
Interestingly, even Plato requires his rulers to “obsessed” about seeking the truth, not being content with just trade knowledge. They can’t settle for opinion or half-truths, and must be committed to searching out the truth of matters, even at personal cost.
Plato wasn’t moderate about truth, in any form, as he required all the stories passed down to conform to the ideal of what they wanted children to imitate and grow into. Further, he required his rulers to have shown a commitment to the truth from childhood. That is not moderation. That is focus.
Focus then, is the underlying truth of this push toward moderation. In deciding what to focus on and going all in to achieve it, other things will necessarily take on a lesser role. Moderation in these areas is a consequence of focus.
The Greeks, and specifically Plato in Republic, especially encouraged moderation with respect to food, sex, drink, and money, cautioning that following ones passions about these things would lead to a shallow and unfulfilled life. To some degree, they are absolutely right. Gluttony, drunkenness, wanton promiscuity, and greed each come with their own set of problems. But at the same time, who wants mediocre food, relationships, drink, or bank accounts? Again, focus becomes the separator. Focusing on the wrong things leads to a wasted life.
Focus. Determine what central point in your life you want to improve and take action to realize that goal.
Focus your time and attention on the things which are worthwhile, and the moderation will take care of itself.
