I don't really have a strict diet. I tend to keep the junk food

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of Tori Bowie, who speaks not of rigid rules, but of a philosophy that aligns with the natural rhythm of life: "I don't really have a strict diet. I tend to keep the junk food out, but I tend to follow my cravings as well. I love the chips, the hot wings, fries. I tend to eat it all, to be honest." These words, though spoken simply, carry with them a deeper truth about the human experience—the tension between self-discipline and the embrace of pleasure. For in her approach, Bowie reveals the profound wisdom of balance, where indulgence does not overwhelm, but rather complements the pursuit of vitality.

In the ancient world, the great thinkers often spoke of the need to live in balance. Aristotle, that revered philosopher, taught that virtue lies not in extremes, but in the golden mean, the middle path between excess and deficiency. Whether it was in matters of wealth, work, or food, the wise understood that the key to a flourishing life was moderation. To deprive oneself of pleasure would be to live a life of restriction, while to indulge without limit would lead to ruin. Tori Bowie, in her approach to food, echoes this ancient wisdom: she chooses not to follow a strict diet, but instead listens to her body, honoring its cravings while also maintaining a sense of control. This is the path of balance, where both pleasure and health coexist.

Reflect upon the great conqueror Alexander the Great, whose life was one of both remarkable victory and excess. In the midst of his campaigns, Alexander often indulged in lavish feasts, enjoying the finest foods and drinks. Yet, despite his indulgences, he did not abandon the discipline required to lead his army to greatness. His approach to life was not one of abstinence, but of thoughtful balance. He understood that the body, like an army, must be nourished to endure. Bowie’s words, too, suggest that it is not about restricting oneself entirely from pleasure, but about listening to the body’s natural desires and honoring them, while still maintaining the self-discipline required to be healthy and strong.

Consider the story of Socrates, the ancient philosopher who, despite his profound wisdom, led a life of simplicity. Socrates would often partake in modest meals, never seeking indulgence, yet he also did not reject food entirely. He understood that to live well was to understand one’s own needs and desires, and to act accordingly. In his simple meals, Socrates did not indulge in excess, yet he did not starve himself either. His approach to food, like Tori Bowie’s, was a form of mindful moderation—neither overly strict nor entirely free of indulgence. The key was to act with awareness, to find harmony between pleasure and restraint, and to never lose sight of one’s deeper goals.

Yet, as we know from the stories of both warriors and philosophers, the path of balance is not always easy. The temptations of junk food—the allure of chips, hot wings, and fries—can be powerful, and many are led astray by them. The pleasure of eating these indulgences is fleeting, and for those who do not practice moderation, the consequences can be damaging. Tori Bowie’s words, however, are a reminder that health is not a war between deprivation and indulgence, but a practice of listening to our bodies and responding with wisdom. While it is easy to fall into the trap of excess or denial, true mastery comes in finding a middle path that nourishes the body without abandoning self-control.

Let us reflect on the example of King Solomon, whose wisdom in both ruling and living was revered across the ancient world. Solomon understood that pleasure could enrich the soul, but also that unchecked indulgence could destroy a person’s well-being. His approach was one of measured enjoyment—he partook in feasts, but he also surrounded himself with counsel that reminded him of the importance of moderation in all things. Solomon’s life teaches us that enjoying the fruits of life is not a sin, but a practice that requires awareness. Like Bowie, he found that true balance lies not in abstinence, but in conscious choice—to eat with enjoyment, but also with respect for the body and its needs.

In our own lives, we must carry this lesson forward. In a world that often demands extremes, whether in indulgence or restriction, Tori Bowie’s approach offers a middle way—a path of balance that recognizes both the need for discipline and the importance of enjoyment. Listen to your body’s cravings, but also be mindful of its limits. Honor the pleasures of food without surrendering to them entirely, and recognize that it is not the act of indulging itself that is harmful, but the lack of balance that can lead to suffering. Like the ancients, we must learn to nourish our bodies with wisdom and to live in harmony with our desires, making conscious choices that allow us to live both fully and healthily.

Thus, O generations of the future, take this wisdom into your hearts: seek not to starve yourself of life’s pleasures, nor to be ruled by them. Like Tori Bowie, like the great leaders and philosophers of old, find your balance. Nourish your body with care, and listen to the natural rhythms of your cravings. In this way, you will live not in restriction, but in awareness and balance, and your health and vitality will grow as a result. The path to a life well-lived is not in extremes, but in the harmony of all things, where both pleasure and discipline walk hand in hand.