Interesting post. Reminds me of the Aristotelian slogan “everything in moderation” (I don’t know whether he actually said that, though). A standard problem with that slogan is to define what is “moderate” and what is “extreme”, but here you do provide us with a clear definition: “extreme compared to what our ancestors would think”.
I don’t think that it is always bad to be extreme compared to what our ancestors would think, though. We use systematised, rational thought to an extreme degree compared to our ancestors. Even though this potentially has some negative side-effects (e.g. it could be argued that it leads to a loss of playfulness and spontaneity) it seems that by and large this extreme focus on reason has benefitted humanity enormously.
Do you agree with this? If you do, do have any criterion to distinguish between the traits one should have in moderation, and those one should not?
The motto you already gave: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” ― Oscar Wilde
So8res Deregulating Distraction method: “The world is full of distractions, and I have plenty of vices. I am just as susceptible as anyone to binging on TV shows or video games or book series. Instead of trying (and often failing) to stop myself from indulging, I decided to allow myself to indulge whenever I really wanted to.”
Interesting post. Reminds me of the Aristotelian slogan “everything in moderation” (I don’t know whether he actually said that, though). A standard problem with that slogan is to define what is “moderate” and what is “extreme”, but here you do provide us with a clear definition: “extreme compared to what our ancestors would think”.
I don’t think that it is always bad to be extreme compared to what our ancestors would think, though. We use systematised, rational thought to an extreme degree compared to our ancestors. Even though this potentially has some negative side-effects (e.g. it could be argued that it leads to a loss of playfulness and spontaneity) it seems that by and large this extreme focus on reason has benefitted humanity enormously.
Do you agree with this? If you do, do have any criterion to distinguish between the traits one should have in moderation, and those one should not?
I have started to collect applicable general anti-memes. This is the current list:
Mindfulness and Mindfulness Meditation
Slow Parenting
The motto you already gave: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” ― Oscar Wilde
So8res Deregulating Distraction method: “The world is full of distractions, and I have plenty of vices. I am just as susceptible as anyone to binging on TV shows or video games or book series. Instead of trying (and often failing) to stop myself from indulging, I decided to allow myself to indulge whenever I really wanted to.”