Controlling Desire
Uncontrolled desire leads to downfall. The wise person masters their appetites rather than being mastered by them, finding contentment in moderation.
Uncontrolled desire leads to downfall. The wise person masters their appetites rather than being mastered by them, finding contentment in moderation.
Do not be covetous regarding division; do not be greedy unless for your own portion.
Instructions of Ptahhotep
Written about in
- What ancient Egypt says about balance and Ma'at
Ptahhotep's advice is that appetite left alone becomes the thing that runs you. Moderation here is practical rather than pious: it keeps a person from losing what they already have.