7th December 2024
In most things in life, when I question myself, I have found an answer in “Nothing in excess.”
In Plato’s Philebus, Socrates is said to have replied “Nothing in excess” when asked what virtue is most suited for a young man.
Saying ‘nothing in excess’ is essentially the same as saying ‘everything in moderation’.
Moderation is one of the four cardinal virtues as stated by Plato (the others are prudence, fortitude and justice). Moderation is also a key principle in many other religions, philosophies and teachings.
Life is not possible in Mercury as it’s too close to the Sun, it’s not possible on Neptune and Saturn as they are too far from the Sun.
The Earth is at the exact distance where water stays liquid, weather not as extreme and an atmosphere that keeps the good stuff in and bad stuff out, hence life is possible.
I am reminded here of a Budhist tale.
Shron, the King of Shravasti was an epitome of a life lived in decadent luxury with ostentatious opulence.
Inspired by the Buddha he took Sanyas and his extreme nature swung the other way and he nearly starved himself to death.
Buddha went to meet him and said, you were an accomplished sitar player before you became a Sanyasi so tell me “If the wires are loose would it produce music?”
“Of course not” says Shron.
“What if they are wound absolute tight?”
“Even then it won’t” says Shron.
“An expert Sitar player tunes the wires at just the right tension. Neither too tight nor too loose.”
Buddha says “Life is like a Sitar, In everything we must reject the extremes and follow the middle path.”
Live a life of moderation, don’t attempt anything in excess & stay blessed forever.