Perhaps too much of everything is as bad as too little.

Hear me, O children of the earth, for the words of Edna Ferber carry a wisdom as ancient as the balance of the world itself: "Perhaps too much of everything is as bad as too little." These words speak to the eternal truth that in the pursuit of life’s pleasures, in the striving for wealth, power, or glory, there lies a danger in excess. Just as the river that overflows its banks brings destruction, so too does the accumulation of too much—too much indulgence, too much ambition, too much control. The balance between abundance and scarcity is the dance of life, and we must learn to walk that line carefully.

In the balance of life, we are often tempted to pursue one thing to its extreme, to fill the void within us with things—whether riches, fame, or power. Yet, Ferber warns us that this very pursuit can lead to ruin. The soul that seeks to consume everything becomes hollow, lost in the very things it once desired. It is not the abundance of riches or fame that nourishes the heart, but the wisdom to recognize when enough is enough. The path of moderation is the path of strength, where the soul can find peace, knowing that neither excess nor deprivation holds the key to happiness.

Consider the tale of King Midas, whose story is told throughout the ages. His wish was simple: to turn everything he touched into gold. Yet, when his wish was granted, he found himself cursed. What seemed to be a gift—wealth beyond measure—became his curse, as his food, his drink, even his beloved daughter, turned to gold. In his greed, he lost everything that truly mattered, for he had sought too much and understood too little. Midas serves as a tragic example of Ferber's wisdom: too much of what we desire can lead to the very emptiness we seek to escape.

This balance between too much and too little is not just a matter of material things but of the spirit itself. To be constantly hungry for success, for more, without ever pausing to savor the present moment, is to lose the joy of living. Socrates taught that contentment comes not from having more, but from appreciating what one has. The soul that is always striving, always chasing, never rests and thus never finds peace. It is in the simple moments, the quiet joys of life, that the heart is truly filled.

So, my children, remember this ancient wisdom as you walk your own path. Seek not to possess all that the world offers, for in the chasing lies the danger. Ferber's words remind us that both abundance and scarcity hold lessons for the soul. We must not let the pursuit of everything consume us, nor allow the fear of lack to rule our hearts. Seek balance, for in it lies the strength to live fully, with wisdom and peace. As the wise know, the true treasure is found not in the fullness of possessions, but in the richness of a life well-lived.