Embracing Moderation in a Fast World

Moderation and the Maple 

A couple of weeks ago, we focused our attention on the virtue of humility. I opened up the “Just for Fun” section of the Virtue Field Guide and discovered a wonderful connection between humility and a bonsai tree. Once again, I want to draw our attention to the same section, but now for the virtue of moderation. The Japanese Bloodgood Maple serves as an example of this virtue. There are a few characteristics in the description which illustrate moderation: It flourishes in partial or moderate sunlight, grows slowly, and takes pruning well. 

These characteristics help us understand this virtue in our own lives. It seems counterintuitive that one would flourish with “partial” exposure, and yet there is wisdom in this for us. Have you ever thought “if a little is good, then more is better”? While this may apply in a few things, a better general rule of thumb is to be skeptical about overdoing what is good. 

Growing Slowly 

The next two characteristics are equally important for understanding moderation. To grow slowly: In our modern age, it is tempting to want to master things quickly or to find answers through a search or AI. The information is quickly at our disposal, and we don’t need to research, read, or even spend time in conversation with someone who may have institutional knowledge. Having the ability to find answers and form judgements or opinions quickly can lead to the temptation of “being right” all the time or to feel a sense of entitlement. To grow slowly requires patience, moderation, and the realization that others may know more from their experience of life.  

Pruning for Beauty 

This leads to our final characteristic: to take pruning well. The “fast-growing,” instant access to information which in turn quickly shapes one’s opinions doesn’t take kindly to pruning, that is, to others offering their perspective or perhaps even demonstrating that your opinions or perspective may not be correct. Pruning hurts and chips the ego, but it is so necessary in order for the plant to be beautiful. Pruning, or correcting, is not intended to limit or stifle growth; it is offered as a means for one to flourish. 

Balance through Moderation 

Moderation is the virtue which enables us to maintain balance in every aspect of our life. The characteristics of the Japanese Bloodgood Maple can help us to gain wisdom from God’s hand at work in creation. May we all strive to be moderate, patient enough to grow slowly, and receptive to pruning, so that the words of St. Irenaeus can be manifested in our lives: “The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man consists in beholding God”.