The Thrill of the Moment

It is apparent that the pursuits of people often swing like a pendulum, from a far direction one way to a far direction in another; from the underdoing to the overdoing; from lukewarm, lack of enthusiasm to feverish excessive obsession.

In the older years of life we are likely to become more moderate, sometimes because of more mature judgement, sometimes because of necessity. But how much better to avoid extremes even in the earlier years. “The excess of our youth,” said one seasoned observer, “are drafts upon our old age, payable with interest, about thirty years after date.”

As to those who would rush all things, who would push all things, who press life too fast too far⎯those who are disposed to speed, to seek so-called thrills, those who pursue the headlong living of life, to such Thomas Jefferson said: “Of all calamities this [intemperance] is the greatest”⎯this stampeding as if one wished to live life all at once, this taking reckless chances, without regard to physical safety, to reason or conscience or caution.

Those who would press for extremes, who would run against the law, the commandments, the conventions; against the rules of safety, the laws of health, against simple, common sense⎯to all who would run rashly, who would risk rashly, who would place all on one run, one race, one chance, one moment, one impetuous impulse⎯all such should most earnestly consider that life is forever, through the days and years of time, through the endlessness of eternity, and ought to be placed and apportioned, with a look at lasting values⎯and this attitude of daring to “live dangerously” will not hold up well over the whole long length of life. The thrill of a moment is not worth a long lifetime of regret.