At the beginning of a cask and at the end take your fill; in the middle be sparing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Consume fully at the start and end of a resource, but be careful in the middle.
- In plain terms
- Enjoy things at the start and finish, but save the middle.
- What can you take from it?
- Manage resources carefully by pacing consumption.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Am I wasting resources?
- How should I budget my time?
Another view
Pacing may feel restrictive compared to spontaneous enjoyment.
More from Hesiod
If you should put even a little on a little, and should do this often, soon this too would become big.
Permalink to quote #11 The dawn speeds a man on his journey, and speeds him too in his work.
Permalink to quote #13 Do not seek evil gains; evil gains are the equivalent of disaster.
Permalink to quote #10
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