A Life in Moderation

Meden Agan, is a Greek saying that was in scripted on the temple of Apollo meaning “nothing in excess.” This quote signifies that everything should be done in moderation. Practicing moderation becomes difficult when the person does not have a strong sense of self-control against temptation. In the play, Doctor Faustus, this concept of resisting temptation and moderation is seen throughout the play. Everything in moderation is a principle of life that helps protect one’s life from harm.

Knowledge is seen as power especially in the play, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. This play was written during the Renaissance, which literally means “rebirth”. During this time, people were exploring theories in various studies such as physics, astronomy and biological sciences. Even though it was a time of exploration and discovery, the Roman Catholic Church still played a huge role in the every day lives of the people. The church enforced a strict hierarchal system where everything had a particular place in society. This strict atmosphere that was created by the church was hypocritical to the changing times. People were exploring and learning about things that were once forbidden knowledge. Prior to this movement of exploration, the church held the ultimate power. The people were illiterate and were forced to believe the doctrines of the church. The Renaissance sparked curiosity in people to learn about topics that had not been studied before.

Faustus was already a very accomplished man in different fields such as medicine, law, and theology. With all of these different degrees, he still did not feel satisfied and wanted to explore magic contradicting his theology degree. He saw magic as a way to become powerful and receive materialistic things such as jewels and diamonds. “The miracles that magic will perform will make thee vow to study nothing else……Then doubt not, Faustus, but to be renowned and more frequented for this mystery than heretofore the Delphian oracle” (I, 1, 138-139, 143-145). This quote was said to Faustus by one of his friends who were helping him learn magic. In response to this, Faustus says, “Oh, this cheers my soul! Come, show me demonstrations magical, that I may conjure in some lusty grove and have these joys in full possession” (I, 1, 151-154). This quote shows that Faustus wanted to be as famous and sought after for his wisdom than the Delphian oracle, who was the most credible oracle during this time. He wanted to reach beyond his knowledge and be able to perform things and be able to see into the future. He was not happy with what he did know, but wanted to continue to learn and see more.

Faustus would not limit himself. Throughout the play he continued to push every envelope to find something new. He was not content with knowledge the common people had but wanted to receive powers like a demi-god such as immortality, and be able to understand the great phenomena’s of the world. Faustus called upon Lucifer and other devils to help him achieve his goal. Mephistopheles, a servant to Lucifer, goes to Faustus and tells him of what he knows. “Say he surrenders up to him his soul, so he will spare him four-and-twenty years, letting him live in all voluptuousness, having thee ever to attend on me, to give me whatsoever I shall ask, to tell me whatsoever I demand, to slay mine enemies and aid my friends, and always be obedient to my will. Go and return to mighty Lucifer, and meet me in my study at midnight, and then resolve me of thy masters mind” ( I, 3, 93-102). In this quote, Faustus was making a deal with Mephistopheles. He was offering his soul to Lucifer and in return, he would receive twenty-four years of freedom and power to do whatever he wanted. Faustus wanted more for himself and nothing would stop him. He went as far as selling his soul to the devil to achieve the knowledge and power he truly wanted. He did not want to accept his mortality but wanted to achieve something greater. After his twenty-four years of living a life filled with no limit, Lucifer took him away. Faustus did not adhere to his limits as a man, which then caused his death.

In the prologue of the play, a mythological character was referenced and foreshadowed the tragic downfall of Doctor Faustus. “His waxen wings did mount above his reach” (Prologue, 21). This quote referred to the Greek myth about Icarus. Daedalus, Icarus’ father, constructed wings made out of wax for Icarus and attached them to his body for his flight from Crete. He advised his son before take off not to fly too low or the wings will be wet from the waves or too high or the wings will melt from the sun. Icarus taken over by the excitement of flying forgot his fathers advise and flew too close to the sun. The wings melted and Icarus fell into the ocean. This myth shows the importance of moderation. Icarus could not fly too low or too high or the wings would fall apart. Icarus had to find a median where he could fly and the wings would hold up. Icarus was curious and excited and could not fight the temptation to fly close to the sun. The consequence to his action caused his tragic death. This myth shows the importance of doing things in moderation.

“Living in moderation” has been a common lifestyle taught throughout history and still taught today. It focuses on having perfect amounts of everything and not splurging on any one thing. Today, in the mainstream media, this concept is seen when talking about alcohol consumption. Commercials advertising for alcoholic beverages are forced to say, “Drink responsibly.” This lifestyle can be difficult to practice, but if it is followed, it will bring harmony and prosperity.