Once there was a family infected with the discipline of moderation and contentment. One day, a salesperson came to their door peddling goods, but they declined with a friendly no thank you. Stunned, she asked, dont you want to improve the quality of your lifestyle? No, we are comfortable with the possessions we own, they answered, and she left disgusted. The next day a preacher came to their door peddling salvation, but they declined with a friendly no thank you. Stunned, he asked, dont you worry about the hereafter? No, we have enough to do with the here and now, they answered, and he left disgusted. The next day a politician came to their door peddling patriotism, but they declined with a friendly no thank you. Stunned, she asked, dont you want to contribute to the state of the union? No, we are content with what we give already, they answered, and she left disgusted. Later, the three met and agreed they must publicly vilify the family lest they infect their neighbors with like moderation and contentment!

d.hues, #2716, Aphorisms: Volume One: 1994-2013, in Wisdom and Ignorance and Work and Recreation