"I drink no more than a sponge"

This quote by Francois Rabelais is a humorous method of revealing small amounts in drinking. By comparing himself to a sponge, Rabelais is suggesting that he drinks just a moderate quantity of alcohol. This is in contrast to the popular notion of the time that excessive drinking suggested strength and potency. By comparing himself to a sponge, Rabelais is implying that he is not a problem drinker, however rather somebody who drinks in small amounts. This quote is a suggestion that drinking in moderation signifies strength and wisdom, rather than a sign of weak point. It is likewise a suggestion that extreme drinking can result in severe health problems. Rabelais' quote is a humorous way of revealing the value of moderation in drinking.