I consider abstinence a form of excess. It’s excessive non-indulgence, rather than excessive indulgence. Moderation is separate from each, and the worst of both worlds. Moderation leaves you in a meaningless limbo. To use a particular example; you aren’t sober enough to have complete clarity, but you aren’t drunk enough to have complete bliss. This can be applied to any other indulgence; whether chemical, mechanical or behavioral.
Many highly successful characters in history were excessive in some indulgences, and abstinent in others. One thing they weren’t, though, is moderate. If they had been moderate, they would have had no unique insights. Their work would have been marred in mediocrity. Excess is the ultimate form of coming correct.
Of course, excess cannot be propagated recklessly. As the squares will tell you(with their only insight), excess can kill. That is why an economical approach ought to be applied to excess. 2 examples of unchained excess immediately spring to mind; Elvis, and Babe Ruth. Both had unquenchable thirsts that ultimately led to their untimely end. Honestly, it’s not a bad way to live; but if it’s not the life you’d like to lead, then pick your poisons carefully. How many excesses you can take on at once depends on your natural capacity. When you know your capacity; indulge, with no restraint, short of the avoidance of death.
2 comments:
I cant keep up with you. The amount of work your putting out is amazing! I'm definitely more like the brooding artist who has masterpieces in the works. Though I can also relate to recording everything one does as well, and be more lenient about the work being put forth. Though, I feel its much less tortuous,it may be a bit less rewarding. I think there is a time, a place, a mood, a level of fear and a type of art for both methods of going about things.
Its like when I do photography. I might take a 1000 pictures and maybe 5 of them I will feel are meaningful. Your bound to stumble onto something you find meaningful if you keep this up. In fact you might feel everything you write is meaningful on some level, at that moment in time. This gives you options..
-nice read..
-chris
my first post on this blog described my intentions as exactly that: everything on here isn't a masterpiece(some of it's even boring), but after I have a heaping pile of thoughts there's bound to be unique or valuable ones
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