# Chapter LV explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A concise warning that exceeding the bounds of moderation inverts the value of pleasures, turning the greatest delights into the least.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moderation and Simplicity

The core teaching is that transgressing moderation corrupts pleasure itself, directly spotlighting the theme of measured living.

## Key lines

> If a man should transgress moderation, the things which give the greatest delight would become the things which give the least.

Going beyond proper limits transforms our greatest joys into our smallest satisfactions.

_A pithy statement on the essential, transformative role of moderation in preserving the value of pleasures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/lv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters