Moderation is the Key

Aristotle said, "The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom." Although this quote and general Aristotelian thought usually leads us eagerly into a discourse on ethics, in my case, I must focus on the wisdom, for in my efforts to be thorough, I recently caused my own near demise. Forgive the rather personal approach in this blog as I recount my experiences that led to a rather dangerous conclusion. I write this not to seek pity (for pity should only be offered to those undeserving) nor to make anyone worried (for to worry is to imply something can be fixed), but rather to influence or even prevent someone from making a similar mistake. Like many things, experience is the best teacher and life's lessons, while difficult, are often the most profound. But since only a man of deficient character would wish a difficult life lesson on another human being, I seek, instead to thwart and impede the stupidity of anyone of like personality and practice.

As background to my story, I must admit to certain personality characteristics that may provide insight into the subsequent events that could have ultimately led to my end. Although I am aware of this trait and supposedly admitting you have a problem is the first step toward the cure, I somehow continually conduct myself in such a manner as to seem totally oblivious to its inherent challenges. That is the tendency to take things to an extreme. This trait has served me well on many occasions and provided me with knowledge and insights into a wide variety of topics in addition to giving me a myriad of skills perhaps unusual for someone of my limited aptitude.

Here are but a few examples: I have read every book written by John D. MacDonald, Louis L'Amour, John Steinbeck, C.S. Lewis, James Michener, and David Morrell in addition to a host of other writers. When I became interested in the music of George Gershwin I purchased every CD, read every biography, and bought every piece of music I could find by Gershwin. After becoming fascinated with Claude Bolling, I proceeded to purchase 25 Cd's of his performances and ultimately received a signed photograph from him. I own the complete works of many well-known composers and continually search for new music interests in which to immerse myself. I am currently attempting to read Benjamin Franklin's complete works and every biography I can find on Franklin. I recall becoming interested in a computer game called Jezzball, several weeks later after many hours, I had completely conquered the game and haven't play it since! This pattern of total immersion and extremism has continued with many positive benefits but also with potentially dangerous consequences.

Our country is in a new growth market--products for cleansing and detoxifying. Getting rid of unwanted bacteria and parasites along with keeping oneself regular through fiber and various cleansers has become a major economic industry today. Like many ideas, there is certainly some merit to staying regular and taking cleansing medication. The digestive tract including the colon often does contain unwanted germs that require passing through. The colon, however, also contains desired bacteria used to breakdown food properly and go to war with germs that can harm the body. The digestive and urinary system is a well-designed machine that operates with high efficiency in even the most challenging situations. While it does occasionally need a little help with additional fiber and proper eating habits, it remains one of the most ingenious natural inventions that resides within the human body.

Yet aggressive marketing techniques and health food stores have made colon cleansing the modern way to "fix" your problems. While some of this over the counter medication has gained approval, much of it has not. The process of approving medication may be cumbersome but it does require rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness. The Federal Drug Administration is certainly not without flaws but its unyielding commitment to the highest standards of drug quality must be respected. Yet much of the cleansing medicines available to the general public are without warnings and without safeguards and without any kind of FDA approval.

We all desire to do the right thing and the best thing for our bodies, and so, unfortunately, in my efforts to be clean and thorough, I spent several months taking colon pills. As the walls of the colon weakened, and the good bacteria disappeared, the bad stuff moved in. What began as discomfort ended up being a very serious bacterial infection resistant to most common antibiotics.

Thankfully, God has given many people a brain and the skill to become doctors. I was put under proper care, administered an injection, and took a heavy dose of the proper antibiotics and am now cured. Never has the statement been more true, "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger"--Nietzsche. The dangerous path I elected to follow, although well-intentioned, was walked on with great foolishness. May I gain wisdom and moderation in my quest for excellence and may others learn from my mistakes. I am glad to be alive.