"پرهیز کامل آسانتر از اعتدال کامل است"

The core idea behind the quote is surprisingly straightforward: it’s often simpler to give something up entirely than to try to control it perfectly. Picture it like this: when you abstain from something entirely, you remove the temptation and the need for constant self-regulation. That's easier than walking the tightrope of moderation, where one misstep can send you tumbling.

Historically, this notion has roots in various philosophies and lifestyles. Think of the ascetics and monks who chose lives of complete abstinence from worldly pleasures to maintain spiritual purity. Or, consider the temperance movements in the 19th and early 20th centuries, where individuals found giving up alcohol entirely was more manageable than drinking moderately. The idea is, if you’ve struggled with something, cutting it out completely might just be the easier path.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine someone who’s trying to eat healthier. They’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth and chocolate is their kryptonite. Every night, they tell themselves, “Just one square of chocolate.” But soon enough, the whole bar’s gone. They try again, swearing they'll stick to moderation, but it never quite works out. The temptation is always there, and it’s exhausting to battle it nightly. What if, instead, they decided to cut chocolate out entirely? No more internal debates, no more slipping up—they save all that mental energy. It’s tough at first, sure, but after a while, the cravings lessen, and there’s a sense of peace in the certainty.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by identifying something in your life that’s causing a lot of internal struggle. Is it social media? Maybe you’re constantly telling yourself you'll only scroll for five minutes, but an hour later you're still at it. Consider taking the app off your phone entirely. It’s a bold move, but think of the relief—no more endless scrolling, no more guilt.

Let me paint a more relatable scenario for you. Imagine your friend Jamie, who’s always late. Jamie’s got a habit of hitting the snooze button every morning. They tell themselves they’ll just hit it once, but it turns into ten times. They’re late, stressed, and their morning is a mess. Now, what if Jamie decided to move the alarm clock across the room? The choice to hit snooze is gone—Jamie has to get up to turn it off. Complete abstinence from the snooze button, rather than trying to moderate the number of times they hit it, leads to Jamie being on time for the first time in ages. It’s a game changer.

In essence, this quote nudges us towards making the hard but simpler choice. It’s a reminder that sometimes, removing the source of temptation entirely can lead to a more peaceful and manageable life. So next time you find yourself battling with moderation, think about whether complete abstinence might be the easier—and ultimately more rewarding—path.