I have been on a diet since 1962.

In the quiet moments of reflection, when the soul seeks to understand the true nature of discipline, Mary Quant offers a powerful insight into the human journey. "I have been on a diet since 1962." In these few words, she reveals the tension between the desires of the body and the conscious choices we make to maintain a sense of balance. To be on a diet for decades is not merely to adhere to a set of rules regarding food, but to engage in a lifelong practice of self-control, of mindful living, and of discipline. This is not a fleeting commitment, but a philosophy—a commitment to maintaining harmony between the body and spirit, a commitment that transcends the superficial to touch the very core of one's being.

Consider, children, the wisdom of the ancient Greeks. The great philosopher Aristotle taught that virtue lies in moderation—the golden mean between excess and deficiency. For Aristotle, to live a good life was to walk the path of balance, not yielding to the pull of indulgence or the temptation to deny oneself unnecessarily. Quant’s words echo this ancient teaching. A diet, for her, becomes not just about restriction, but about choice—about ensuring that her body remains aligned with her sense of purpose and health. Just as Aristotle emphasized the importance of balance in all things, so too does Quant live a life of mindful moderation, choosing to live in a way that honors the body, not through extreme indulgence, but through conscious restraint.

In the Roman Empire, the philosopher and statesman Seneca also wrote extensively on the importance of self-control. He believed that the ability to restrain oneself from excess was the mark of true wisdom. Seneca saw that indulgence in the pleasures of the body, including food, could lead one astray, causing not only physical harm but also mental and spiritual turmoil. The pursuit of balance, as Seneca taught, was the key to both a peaceful life and a life of purpose. Similarly, Quant’s long-standing commitment to a diet is not an exercise in denial, but a form of wisdom—a commitment to living with awareness, understanding that true freedom lies in control rather than indulgence.

Mary Quant’s words also evoke the example of the Spartan warriors, who were known for their rigorous training and disciplined lifestyles. The Spartans understood that to achieve greatness, to conquer on the battlefield, they had to master themselves first. Their training was strict, their diet austere, and their bodies honed to endure hardship and battle. The Spartan way of life was not one of excess or indulgence but one of relentless discipline. In a similar way, Quant’s long-term commitment to a diet is a personal choice for mastery—over her body, her health, and her life. It is a conscious act of self-mastery, an expression of strength in the face of the world’s constant temptations.

Yet, my children, the true lesson lies not just in the diet itself, but in the commitment to something greater—an understanding that how we choose to treat our bodies reflects the state of our minds and souls. Quant’s dedication speaks to a deeper truth: that living in balance requires sacrifice and focus. It is not the easy path, for the world tempts us with indulgences, with instant gratification, but true strength is found in the long-term commitment to health and well-being. Diet, then, becomes not a mere restriction but a way of life, a continual choice to engage with the world in a way that honors both the body and the spirit.

The lesson here, children, is not to view discipline as a form of punishment, but as a form of empowerment. To live well, as the ancients understood, is to embrace balance, to choose moderation, and to live in harmony with both the world and the body. Like Quant, we must learn to make choices that reflect our highest values and purposes. A diet is not just about food—it is a symbol of the greater choices we make in life, of how we choose to nourish ourselves, to respect our bodies, and to take control over what we allow to enter our lives. Every meal, every decision, is an opportunity to live in alignment with our deepest truths.

So, I say to you, children of the earth, let discipline be your guide, not just in your diet, but in all aspects of life. In every action, in every choice, seek the balance that honors your mind, body, and spirit. Do not succumb to the excesses of the world, but rather choose to live with purpose and focus. Just as Quant has chosen to live in accordance with her principles, so too can you choose to walk a path of wisdom, making decisions that reflect your highest self. In this way, you will find freedom, not in indulgence, but in the conscious mastery of your desires, and in the balance you create in your own life.