The Enduring Idea of Temperance in Politics

In an age often characterized by stark divisions and passionate extremes, the ancient idea of temperance might seem an anachronism. Yet, a deeper examination reveals its profound and enduring relevance, particularly within the sphere of government. Far from being a mere personal virtue of self-denial, temperance, as understood by the great thinkers of the Western tradition, is a foundational principle for stable, just, and effective political life. It is the wisdom of moderation, the discipline of balance, and the conscious rejection of excess that can guide both individual leaders and the collective government towards the common good, steering clear of the perilous cliffs of vice.

What is Temperance? Beyond Personal Restraint

At its core, temperance (Greek: sophrosyne) is often understood as self-control or moderation. However, to confine it solely to individual abstinence from bodily pleasures is to miss its broader, more profound application. As explored in the Great Books of the Western World, temperance signifies a harmonious inner state where reason guides desire, preventing either extreme indulgence or ascetic repression. It is not the absence of passion, but the balance and proper ordering of passions by intellect.

Think of it this way:

  • It is the mean between deficiency and excess, as Aristotle famously articulated.
  • It is the harmony within the soul, where all parts agree on who should rule, as Plato described.
  • It is the prudence that prevents impulsive decisions driven by immediate gratification or fear.

When we elevate this idea from the individual to the collective, we begin to grasp its true power in shaping government.

Temperance as a Political Virtue (and its Vices)

If temperance is a virtue for the individual, how does it manifest as a virtue for the polis or the government? A temperate state, much like a temperate soul, is one that operates with balance, prudence, and a long-term perspective. It resists the allure of easy solutions, avoids demagoguery, and prioritizes stability and justice over fleeting popular whims or partisan fervor.

Consider the characteristics of a temperate government or leader:

  • Measured Decision-Making: Policies are crafted with careful consideration of long-term consequences, not just immediate gains.
  • Fiscal Prudence: Resources are managed responsibly, avoiding both wasteful extravagance and crippling austerity.
  • Balanced Legislation: Laws seek to protect liberties while maintaining order, avoiding oppressive control or dangerous anarchy.
  • Respectful Discourse: Political debate is characterized by reasoned argument and a willingness to compromise, rather than vitriol and intransigence.

Conversely, the vices that arise from a lack of temperance in politics are all too familiar:

  • Corruption and profligacy, driven by unchecked desire for power or wealth.
  • Extremism and radicalism, born from an inability to find common ground or tolerate dissenting views.
  • Demagoguery, where leaders exploit popular passions rather than guiding them with reason.
  • Tyranny or anarchy, both products of a state that has lost its internal balance and order.

Echoes from the Great Books: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Governance

The enduring idea of temperance in politics finds its most profound expressions in the foundational texts of Western philosophy.

Plato's Republic: Harmony in the State

For Plato, writing in The Republic, temperance (sophrosyne) is not merely an individual trait but a virtue that pervades the entire state. He describes it as a kind of agreement or harmony among all citizens about who should rule. It is the virtue that ensures each part of society—the rulers, the auxiliaries, and the producers—knows its place and performs its function without overstepping. A temperate state is one where reason (represented by the philosopher-kings) governs the spirited part (the auxiliaries) and the appetitive part (the producers), ensuring social cohesion and justice. Without this overarching temperance, the state descends into factionalism and instability.

Aristotle's Politics: The Golden Mean in Action

Aristotle, in both his Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, further develops the idea of temperance as the "golden mean"—a desirable middle ground between two extremes. Applied to government, this means seeking a balanced constitution that avoids the vices of pure democracy (which can devolve into mob rule) and pure oligarchy (which can lead to tyranny). He advocated for a mixed constitution, or polity, which blends elements of both, thereby embodying political temperance. For Aristotle, the stability and flourishing of the polis depend on its ability to maintain this mean, resisting the temptations of radical shifts or entrenched power.

(Image: A classical fresco depicting the allegorical figure of Temperance, often shown pouring water into wine to symbolize dilution and moderation, or holding a bridle, representing self-control and guidance.)

The Practical Application: Temperance in Government

How might this ancient idea translate into practical political action today?

  1. Leadership and Decision-Making: Temperate leaders are those who listen to diverse perspectives, weigh evidence dispassionately, and resist the urge to govern by soundbite or knee-jerk reaction. They understand that true strength lies in measured judgment, not in unyielding dogma.
  2. Policy and Legislation: A temperate approach to policy-making involves crafting laws that address real needs without creating new, unforeseen problems. It means finding common ground on difficult issues, rather than allowing ideological purity to paralyze progress.
  3. Resource Management: Governments embodying temperance manage public funds with a clear-eyed understanding of both present needs and future sustainability. They avoid excessive debt and wasteful spending, recognizing that public resources are a trust, not a personal purse.
  4. Civic Discourse: In a political landscape often dominated by vitriol, temperance calls for a return to respectful, reasoned debate. It encourages citizens and leaders alike to engage with opposing viewpoints constructively, seeking understanding rather than merely seeking victory.

Why Temperance Matters Now More Than Ever

The idea of temperance, far from being a quaint relic of ancient philosophy, offers a powerful antidote to many of the political ills of our time. In an era of rapid change, global interconnectedness, and the constant barrage of information, the temptation towards reactive, extreme, or short-sighted government is immense. The wisdom embedded in the concept of temperance—of balance, moderation, and self-control—provides a timeless framework for building resilient societies and just governments. It reminds us that true political strength lies not in the loudest voice or the most radical ideology, but in the steady hand of reason, guided by the enduring virtue of temperance.

Video by: The School of Life

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