Sola dosis facit venenum; the dose makes the poison. This maxim is credited to sixteenth century Swiss physician, theologian and alchemist, Theophrastus von Hohenheim, more commonly known to history as Paracelsus. The inherent meaning here is that too much of something can be detrimental.
If you take two Panadol for a headache…all good, take 20…not so good. Just enough Vitamin A means healthy vision, healthy skin and a good immune system…too much can lead to nausea, headaches and liver damage. Even too much water can lead to something called Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood) causing vomiting, muscle spasms, low blood pressure and worse.
Now, while Paracelsus was a medical pioneer and is recognised as the father of toxicology, it’s more the meaning of the maxim, the dose makes the poison, that bares interest. There’s a life lesson buried in these five words, in particular a lesson for our Eddies Men. As we approach the end of term along with assignment deadlines and exams, the dose makes the poison, offers a powerful metaphor for student life. Just as too much of a chemical can be toxic, so too can excessive studying or socialising; even exercising can become detrimental when not balanced properly.
Students can fall into the trap of believing that more study time can automatically equate to better results. Yes, dedication is crucial but cognitive psychology suggests that quality trumps quantity where study is concerned. Studies have found that techniques like spaced repetition and active recall are far more effective than marathon cramming. One practical approach is the Pomodoro Technique. Here, students try 25-minute focused work intervals followed by 5-minute breaks. Overloading the brain in a short time is not productive; it can lead to burnout, reduced retention and increased anxiety — the dose makes the poison.
On the B side of this record, neglecting social interaction can be equally harmful. We are inherently social creatures; isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. For humans, strong social ties improve mental health, reduce stress, and even increase lifespan (good to know for us oldies). For our Eddies Men, maintaining friendships and engaging in social activities can act as a buffer against academic stress, enhancing both well-being and performance.
Physical activity is another crucial component of a balanced Eddies life. It’s well known that regular exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in young people. Not only this, but it also boosts cognitive function, improves sleep and enhances mood. The benefits of regular exercise are particularly valuable during high-stress periods like exams. However, the dose makes the poison: overtraining can lead to fatigue, injury.
Nutrition is often overlooked as a vital component in cognitive performance and emotional stability. A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry (2015) emphasised the link between diet quality and mental health, showing that healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins are associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety. In the busyness of a school week (or a work week) and as we become time poor, skipping meals or relying on junk food might save minutes in the short term, but it can impair concentration, memory and energy levels. There’s a sweet spot where good nutrition and guilty cravings align. When these are not balanced then…wrong dose, poor outcomes.
The key takeaway (pun intended) is that success as an Eddies Man doesn’t come from maximising one area at the expense of others. It comes from balance. Student life, Eddies life, is like a pie chart: when one slice grows too large then others shrink. A well-rounded routine including focused study, regular social interaction, physical activity and balanced nutrition is not just ideal — it’s essential.
Paracelsus’ sixteenth century wisdom holds true even today; even the most beneficial things can become harmful in excess. For young people this means recognising that balance and organisation are key. By understanding Paracelsus’ maxim to daily life, our Eddies Men can cultivate an experience here on The Hill that is sustainable, fulfilling and ultimately successful.
