This quote, “Either wealth is much increased, or moderation is much decayed,” presents a dichotomy between the accumulation of wealth and the erosion of moderation. It suggests that as one’s wealth increases, their sense of restraint or moderation may decrease. This can be interpreted as a critique on materialism and overconsumption.
The first part of the quote, “wealth is much increased,” refers to an individual or society amassing more money or possessions. The second part, “moderation is much decayed,” indicates that this increase in wealth could lead to a decline in self-restraint and balanced living.
The correlation between increasing wealth and decreasing moderation can be seen as a commentary on how prosperity might lead to excessiveness. As people acquire more money or goods, they might become less inclined to exercise restraint in their consumption habits. This could result in extravagance and wastefulness.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we see evidence of this concept in consumer culture where there’s constant encouragement for people to buy more than they need. The rise of fast fashion and technology obsolescence are examples where overconsumption driven by increasing disposable income leads to environmental issues such as waste generation.
In terms of personal development, it encourages individuals to reflect upon their own consumption habits: Are they buying out of necessity or desire? It promotes practicing mindfulness about our purchases—understanding that while it’s not wrong to enjoy material goods, it becomes problematic when we start consuming excessively without thought for our needs versus wants.
Moreover, it also highlights the importance of financial discipline—just because one has increased wealth doesn’t mean they should spend recklessly; instead maintaining balance between spending and saving ensures long-term financial security.
Hence Herbert’s quote serves as an important reminder about maintaining balance — even amidst prosperity — which holds relevance even today both at societal level with respect consumerism trends but also at individual level with regards personal finance management and consumption habits.
