Let not turn fun to mischief.
—Common Proverb
Tranquil pleasures last the longest; we are not fitted to bear long the burden of great joys.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.
—Augustine of Hippo (354–430) Roman-African Christian Philosopher
Moderation is the key to lasting enjoyment.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Theologian
The sensible man drinks only when he is thirsty.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Moderation in people who are contented comes from that calm that good fortune lends to their spirit.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
It is the sign of a great mind to dislike greatness, and prefer things in measure to things in excess.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
To live long it is necessary to live slowly.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
Everything that exceeds the bounds of moderation, has an unstable foundation.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Be moderate in all things.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Temperate temperance is best; intemperate temperance injures the cause of temperance.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
That is mediocrity though it be called moderation.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
To climb steep hills requires slow pace at first.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
The true boundary of man is moderation.—When once we pass that pale, our guardian angel quits his charge of us.
—Owen Feltham (1602–1668) English Essayist
When a man is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something; he has been put on his wits … he has gained facts, learned his ignorance, is cured of the insanity of conceit, has got moderation and real skill.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Moderation is never applauded for its own sake.
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish Playwright
Moderation is a virtue only in those who are thought to have an alternative.
—Henry Kissinger (b.1923) American Diplomat, Academician
Keep a mid course between two extremes.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
Any plan conceived in moderation must fail when the circumstances are set in extremes.
—Klemens Wenzel, Prince von Metternich (1773–1859) Austrian Political leader, Politician
Moderation resembles temperance. We are not so unwilling to eat more, as afraid of doing ourselves harm by it.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
There is a German proverb which says that “Take it easy,” and “Live long,” are brothers.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
Fortify yourself with moderation; for this is an impregnable fortress.
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
Howsoever varied the courses of our life, whatsoever the phases of pleasure and ambition through which it has swept along, still, when in memory we would revive the times that were comparatively the happiest, those times will be found to have been the calmest.
—Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–73) British Novelist, Poet, Politician
It speaks volumes for a person that when placed in quite different situations, they display the same spirit of moderation.
—Unknown
You will go most safely in the middle.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
It is better to rise from life as from a banquet—neither thirsty nor drunken.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
Only action gives life strength, only moderation gives it charm.
—Charles Spurgeon (1834–92) English Baptist Preacher
He will always be a slave who does not know how to live upon a little.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
It’s best to rise from life like a banquet, neither thirsty or drunken.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809) American Nationalist, Author, Pamphleteer, Radical, Inventor