The quote, "To go beyond the bounds of moderation is to outrage humanity," essentially means that when we exceed the limits of moderation, we violate a fundamental principle of human nature and society. Moderation, as a concept, is about maintaining balance and avoiding extremes. It’s about understanding and respecting the limits within which we can maintain harmony and well-being both individually and collectively.
When we go beyond these bounds, we disrupt this balance. This disruption is what Pascal refers to as "outraging humanity." It could be interpreted as causing harm to ourselves and others, creating chaos, or disrupting societal norms and values. This outrage can take many forms, such as physical harm, psychological distress, social unrest, or environmental damage, among other things.
In today’s world, this idea is highly relevant. We live in a time of excess, where consumerism, greed, and the pursuit of personal gain often overshadow the importance of balance and moderation. This can be seen in the environmental crisis we face due to overconsumption and exploitation of resources, or the growing wealth gap due to unchecked capitalism.
On a personal level, this concept can be applied to our lifestyle choices. For example, excessive work without rest leads to burnout, while overindulgence in food, drink, or other pleasures can lead to health problems. In contrast, a life of moderation, where we balance work and rest, indulgence and restraint, can lead to better physical and mental health.
In essence, Pascal’s quote is a call for balance, respect for limits, and consideration for the greater good. It’s a reminder that when we push beyond the bounds of moderation, we not only harm ourselves but also potentially outrage the very essence of humanity.