All Things in Moderation

 There are many concepts, topics, and ideas reached through the readings but one that stood out to me was the idea of balance and moderation. Of course, we know that this is an idea that longs way before the research and reasonings we know today. For example, we talked about the Four Humours and if one was off balance, the effects would be tremendous. This was a more environmental and literal approach than what is referenced in the article but still valuable to mention. Hildegard approaches medicine with the perspective of moderation and balance but we also see such in the everyday life. I took a relationship course last semester and if an aspect important to a partner is not fully reciprocated or even fulfilled, the balance is completely thrown off. Keeping this in mind, the state of the relationship is less than average or even fair. Such theory dated back to not too long ago but we can assume it was present in years dating back to at least the era of Inferno. When aspects of a relationship are unfulfilled, balance is off and this could lead to a portion or subdivision of love melancholy. We can give and take things all in moderation with all that we do and being "less about a therapeutic correction, and more about a conscious move toward a sensible and moderate lifestyle" but valuable to love as well. The image below can be viewed as balance in nurture but in moderation of reciprocity from the both them. I think a lot of what we have read thus far can have a hidden aspect of imbalance along the way. Cantos had an imbalance in himself by not being fully healthy due to restlessness. Narcissus had imbalance of being aware of others and his surroundings and nothing was viewed in moderation for him, and so forth. Overall, balance and moderation is key to avoid or at least steer away from love melancholy because without it, a situation can turn into an old tale story pretty promptly. 




Comments

  1. McKenna HolzJanuary 30, 2023 at 8:04 AM

    I really like how you identified this theme of balance and moderation. It would literally be the best essay topic because every one of our readings utilizes this theme in some shape or form. Also love the connection to other academic courses. I also took that course so I can really identify with what you're talking about. Especially because we have been reading a lot of love melancholy recently. And your final conclusion is such a great insight into our readings. Great job!

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  2. Megan McCambridgeJanuary 30, 2023 at 8:18 AM

    I like how you interpreted the humors. They assumed the male body was warm and dry, while the female body was cold and wet. I think this was integral to how they would diagnose females and males differently going further. I also like how you added that "the balance was thrown off" alluding to the fact that they assumed females were inherently "thrown off balance".

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  3. McKennaJanuary 31, 2023 at 11:59 AM

    I like how you touched on the idea of balance and moderation. They have been around for a long time and are present in many aspects of life, from medicine to relationships. Keeping things in moderation helps maintain balance, avoiding imbalances that can lead to negative consequences, such as love melancholy. It ties into the theme of the Four Humors about keeping balance to maintain good mental health as well.

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