To: Classical Collectors Today we look at several famous quotes from the Greeks and Romans on the principle of moderation. The principle of moderation One of the distinctive values, particular of the ancient Greeks, was moderation. It was felt to be prudent not to be excessive in any way – whether in our emotions, or expression, or ambition or wealth. Similarly, it was seen as wise to avoid extremes: too much or too little of things; too much passion or too little; too much ambition or too little; and so on. This was reflected in the realm of religion, it was very important not to over-reach yourself or go above your station in life (this was hybris) – it could well annoy the gods who would then exact retribution (nemesis) on you. The principle also fed into Greek medicine and nutrition, in the writings of Hippocrates and Galen, who advocated moderation in eating: not too much, and a range of foodstuffs. The science behind this may have been basic, but they were essentially right to seek a balanced and moderate diet. Some quotations and thinking Here now are some quotes on moderation, with related notes. The Greeks
May-den agan μηδὲν ἄγαν Nothing too much This was inscribed on the temple of Apollo in Delphi, along with another inscription: Gnow-thi se-auton γνῶθι σεαυτόν ‘Know yourself’. The temple was very central to Greek life, so we can be sure these words set out core beliefs at the heart of their religion. The statement ‘Know yourself’ probably mainly referred to knowing one’s proper status – as a mortal with a limited place, who shouldn’t get ideas above their station; but there may be a hint of a more 21st century sense of ‘know your own individual nature and character’.
Ariston metron Middle is best This was a later common phrase, another way of saying ‘avoid extremes’.
The Golden Mean This phrase is used to describe Aristotle’s system of virtues. He believed the right action or attitude lay in the middle between extremes. In modern times, it has been described in Latin as aurea mediocritas, golden moderation. For each virtue, there could be too little or too much. For example, too little of courage was cowardice and too much was rashness. The right amount was a moderate amount of courage. This table sets out Aristotle’s scheme of virtues and their extremes. Too little Balance Too much cowardice courage rashness miserliness generosity extravagance sloth ambition greed humility modesty pride secrecy honesty loquacity moroseness good humour absurdity quarrelsomeness friendship flattery
self-indulgence temperance insensibility
apathy composure irritability
indecisiveness self-control impulsiveness About this time (400-300BC) Greek philosophy developed a model of four main virtues. The exact origin of this model is not clear, but all four are discussed extensively by Plato and Aristotle.
The Four Main Virtues – Greek Philosophy
sophia wisdom, prudence
dikaiosune justice, morality
andreia courage, fortitude
sophrosune moderation, temperance
These were adopted by later groups such as the Stoics and are sometimes known as the Stoic Virtues. This is a useful exposition: https://dailystoic.com/4-stoic-virtues/ Later, they were adopted by the mediaeval Church as the four Cardinal Virtues. The Romans The principle of moderation was mainly a Greek idea. The Romans had their own prized virtues such as discipline, duty, faithfulness, austerity. However, because the Romans imitated much Greek culture, and adopted much Greek philosophy, so the concept of moderation moved into Roman society, though most likely mainly among the educated and affluent classes who studied philosophy. Roman philosophy The principle of moderation was a common theme in the ethics of most Roman philosophers: the leading ones were Cicero, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius who wrote treatises, letters and reflections. Roman philosophy did not originate many new concepts but it developed the Greek ones and had much more practical life application. The largest philosophical group was the Stoics. As one of many example,s Cicero wrote: Never go to excess but let moderation be your guide. Roman literature in medio tutissimus ibis In the middle you will go most safely This is perhaps the most famous exhortation to be moderate in Roman literature. In the middle most safe you will go It comes from the story of Icarus and Daedalus in Ovid’s epic poem Metamorphoses. Daedalus was a master-craftsman and marvellous innovator who worked on the island of Crete for the rather tyrannical king Minos. Daedalus fell foul of the king and decided to escape from Crete with his son Icarus. He created wings made of wax and feathers for the two of them to fly away. The quote above comes from instructions he gives his son: basically – don’t fly too low, near the sea and don’t fly too high, near the sun. Unfortunately, Icarus does not follow his father’s instructions closely – he flies too high and the sun melts the wax in his wings which disintegrate, leaving Icarus to fall into the sea. This scene is captured in a painting by the Dutch artist Bruegel. At the bottom right, you can see the figure of Icarus falling into the sea. The shepherd looking up may be viewing Daedalus, still high up. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape_with_the_Fall_of_Icarus#/media/File:Pieter_Bruegel_de_Oude_-_De_val_van_Icarus.jpg Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape_with_the_Fall_of_Icarus
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