Meaning & Analysis
In any activity or aspect of life, there exists an appropriate, optimal amount or degree—a middle ground between having too much (excess) and too little (deficiency).
Insights
Virtue in Moderation
The proverb serves as a moral and ethical guideline, suggesting that a virtuous life is achieved by avoiding extremes in behavior, passion, and desire. Wisdom is found not in indulgence or deprivation, but in a carefully maintained equilibrium.
A Principle for Prudent Living
It functions as a practical rule for living a successful and sustainable life. By applying 'measure' to all activities—from finance and diet to work and leisure—one avoids the pitfalls of excess and the shortcomings of insufficiency.
The Importance of Self-Discipline
The proverb implies a need for conscious self-governance and discipline. Resisting the pull of extremes requires active self-control and an awareness of one's own tendencies, making it a call for mindful self-regulation.
Universal Law of Balance
It reflects a belief in a natural order or universal law where balance is essential for harmony and function. Just as nature seeks equilibrium, human affairs thrive when governed by a sense of proportion and balance.
Classical Philosophical Roots
This proverb is a cornerstone of Western classical philosophy, directly echoing Aristotle's concept of the 'Golden Mean' and Horace's 'aurea mediocritas'. It posits that virtue lies as a midpoint between two extremes of vice (e.g., courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness).
Cross-Cultural Resonance
The principle of moderation is not confined to Western thought. It resonates with concepts like Buddhism's 'Middle Way,' which advocates a path of moderation between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification, highlighting its status as a piece of universal wisdom.
Psychological Well-being
From a psychological standpoint, the proverb advocates for emotional and behavioral regulation. Modern psychology often associates mental well-being with balance, while extremes in emotion, thought, and behavior are frequently markers of psychological distress.
Social and Political Prudence
The proverb serves as a foundational principle for social and political stability. It implicitly warns against the dangers of extremism and radicalism, suggesting that a healthy society is built on compromise, balance, and the avoidance of ideological excess.
Rhetorical Devices
Aphorism
The proverb is an aphorism, a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth or principle. Its brevity and clarity give it an authoritative tone.
Universal Abstraction
The use of abstract and universal terms like 'measure' and 'things' allows the proverb to be applied to an infinite range of situations, from the mundane to the profound.
Declarative Authority
The proverb is presented as a simple declarative statement of fact ('There is...'), which frames its wisdom not as advice to be debated but as an inherent truth to be recognized.
Transcription
Quotations
But syr measure is in all thynge.
With euery condycyon Measure must be sought.
Be not to liberal nor to scant, vse measure in eche thing.
In all thinges there is a meane.
In all things I know there must be a meane.
There is a bound and a meane for all things.
There is a Medium in all things, too thick sowing may be as bad.
A medium is best in all things.
There's a Medium in all things.
(things, if it were but in Kail supping).
Shakespeare Citations
If the Prince be too important, tell him there is measure in everything, and so dance out the answer.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.