The Importance Of Overindulgence In The Odyssey

It is clear that human beings are easily enticed to do things that we do not need to do. In Book 12 of The Odyssey, Odysseus is trying to get back to Ithaca when he is warned about an upcoming danger in their travels, the Sirens. Odysseus was instructed by Circe to give his crew earplugs out of wax and to have himself tightly tied to the mast. At the time when Odysseus and his crew encounter the Sirens, we are shown how becoming consumed by greed and losing self control in immersing oneself in a temptation is easy and often somebody needs to remind us of reality and tell us to stop. Therefore, moderation is key to being a virtuous human being.
It is clear that Odysseus’ hubris lead him to desire more than what is necessary, especially when the Sirens attempt to …show more content…
Consequently, I agree with the statement that overindulgence will ultimately be one’s downfall. Since having been taught to seek balance, steering clear of overindulgence reminds me of living with Aurea mediocritas in mind, Latin for golden mean. We can take food as an example, which is at times quite the enticement, eating too much has negative effects on one’s health. I know that whenever I overeat, it leaves me with a nasty stomach ache and a lingering feeling of regret, similarly, Odysseus’ honor would have been scared had he given into the temptation of excess knowledge. Having said that, underconsumption of food is also a poor choice; I am all too familiar with the sickening pangs of hunger during the middle of the school day or while on a long, demanding road trip. I incorporate the value of Aurea mediocritas by eating just the right amount of food, which in turn allows me to reap the benefits of the food while discovering joy in the experience as well. However, it is okay to treat yourself occasionally by indulging, but, it is important to know the time and place of when that is