Chapter 29
The Dangerous Art of Going Too Far
OF MODERATION As if we had an infectious touch, we, by our manner of handling, corrupt things that in themselves are laudable and good: we may grasp virtue so that it becomes vicious, if we embrace it too stringently and with too violent a desire. Those who say, there is never any excess in virtue, forasmuch as it is not virtue when it once becomes excess, only play upon words: “Insani sapiens nomen ferat, aequus iniqui, Ultra quam satis est, virtutem si petat ipsam.” [“Let the wise man bear the name of a madman, the just one of an unjust,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Audit Your Virtue Signals
Think of three qualities you're most proud of - maybe you're helpful, honest, hardworking, or protective. For each quality, write down one way it has ever backfired or caused problems. Then identify one early warning sign that tells you when you're pushing that strength too far.
Consider:
- •Focus on times when people pulled away from your 'help' or seemed uncomfortable with your virtue
- •Look for patterns where your good intentions created the opposite of what you wanted
- •Notice when you feel most righteous or justified - that's often when you're most dangerous
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when one of your best qualities caused problems in a relationship. What would you do differently now that you understand Montaigne's warning about virtuous excess?
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