Madison, mother and Federalist 47 - The Times Gazette

Madison, mother and Federalist 47 - The Times Gazette

My mother, bless her heart, was the consummate purveyor of a sensible life. One recurring aphorism of hers, that for some reason found permanent residence in my brain was simply, “Don’t overdo.” She was usually referring to things like consumption, exercise, or argument, but the message was that there were inherent dangers in pressing things too far. It was hard to argue with her because her example was a source of direction and inspiration. She…