nothing in excess
Delphic temple maxim
Nothing in excess is an ancient Greek maxim advocating moderation in all things.
The phrase counsels against extremes—too much of even good things becomes harmful.
It applies to pleasures, ambitions, emotions, and virtues alike: Nothing in excess, the Greeks warned, not even virtue.
The saying was inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi alongside "know thyself."
- moderationAvoidance of excess
- less is moreRestraint creates impact
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- restraintControl over impulses
golden mean · happy medium · self-control · measured response · sobriety · equilibrium · even keel · measure · just enough · Delphi · Apollo · ancient Greece · know thyself · wisdom · discipline · harmony · frugality · simplicity
nothing in excessexcess
Surplus beyond need
overindulgence · intemperance · gluttony · hedonism · extravagance
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Restraining one's own desires
self-flagellation · deprivation · puritanism · hair shirt · starvation
nothing in excessexcess
Surplus beyond need
extremism · fanaticism · all or nothing · maximalism · immoderation
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