John D. Rockefeller, in Edwardian time the richest man in the world, was asked how much money he wanted. “Just a little more,” he replied.
That sounds like many of us doesn’t it. We all seem to want a little more–money, real estate, gadgets.
Aristotle advocate of the Golden Mean (a balance between excess and scarcity) believed that not all the things we want turn out to be good for us. Some things if received in excess may interfere with our appreciating those things that are best for us–spiritual growth, service toward others, gaining knowledge and wisdom, cultivating our abilities and talents, enjoying the simple pleasures of daily life. Too much wealth and too many gadgets can prevent us from getting what Aristotle called goods for the soul–knowledge, love, honor, respect, work well-done, friendships. An appreciate for these virtues is always better.
Perhaps a recent message making the rounds on the Internet best sums up Aristotle’s Golden Mean:
- I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright
- I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more
- I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive
- I wish you enough pain so that the joys in life offer more gratitude
- I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess
- I wish you enough wisdom to be a blessing for others
- I wish you enough “Hellos” to get you through the final “Good-bye”
