He called this “proportion.” It’s the recognition that every human has different needs and temperaments. Most religions preach moderation or the middle path. But Benedict understood that “moderation” is different for everyone. Enough for one person might be too much for another might be too little for another. Benedict even taught that self-denial and going with too little often stirs up pride, a snooty “holier than thou” attitude. Having too much or too little, he believed, was a distraction from the ultimate goal.
