This quote is a witty and somewhat paradoxical observation on the nature of self-denial and discipline. It suggests that an abstainer, someone who deliberately refrains from indulging in a particular pleasure, is not a strong person as one might assume, but rather a weak one. The ‘weakness’ here is not in the act of abstaining itself, but in the fact that the abstainer is succumbing to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure, which is seen as a form of self-punishment or deprivation.

The quote turns the conventional understanding of strength and weakness on its head. Typically, we view those who can resist temptations as strong and disciplined. However, according to this quote, the abstainer is weak because they are unable to balance indulgence and restraint, and instead resort to complete denial, which could be seen as an extreme and unnecessary measure.

In today’s world, this idea could be applied in various aspects of life such as dieting, work-life balance, and personal finance. For instance, in dieting, someone who completely denies themselves the pleasure of eating their favorite foods might be seen as weak according to this quote. Instead, a stronger approach might be to practice moderation and allow occasional indulgences, thus achieving a balance between health and pleasure.

In personal development, this quote could serve as a reminder that extreme measures are not always a sign of strength. True strength might lie in finding a balance and allowing oneself to experience pleasure without it becoming harmful or destructive. It encourages us to question our own behaviors and attitudes towards self-denial and discipline, and to consider whether we might be falling into the trap of unnecessary self-deprivation. It could also serve as a critique of societal norms that glorify extreme self-discipline and denial of pleasure, encouraging us to redefine our understanding of strength and weakness.