The Steady Hand: Why Temperance is the Unsung Virtue of Good Government

In the tumultuous arena of public life, the ancient idea of temperance emerges as a foundational virtue for stable and just government. Far from mere moderation, temperance in politics signifies a disciplined self-restraint, a balanced judgment that guards against the excesses of power and the seductive allure of vice. Drawing on the wisdom of the Great Books of the Western World, this article explores how temperance fosters prudent leadership, promotes civic harmony, and serves as a bulwark against the destructive forces of impulsivity and unchecked ambition, ultimately shaping a more resilient and equitable society.

Introduction: A Call for Measured Leadership

Hello, fellow travelers on the intellectual journey! It's Grace, and today we're turning our gaze towards a concept that, while perhaps less dramatic than justice or courage, is arguably just as vital for the health of any government: temperance. In an age often defined by extremes and immediate gratification, the very idea of temperance might seem quaint, even old-fashioned. Yet, when we delve into the rich tapestry of philosophical thought, particularly within the pages of the Great Books of the Western World, we find that temperance isn't merely about personal restraint; it's a profound political virtue with far-reaching implications for how societies are governed and how leaders conduct themselves.

Defining Temperance: More Than Just Moderation

When we hear "temperance," many of us might immediately think of abstaining from alcohol or exercising moderation in our personal habits. And while those are certainly facets, the philosophical idea of temperance, or sophrosyne in ancient Greek, runs much deeper. It's not just about doing less; it's about doing right, with a sense of proportion, self-control, and inner harmony.

  • Plato's Perspective: In Plato's Republic, temperance is presented as a societal virtue, the agreement among all classes about who should rule. It's the harmonious ordering of desires, where reason guides the spirited and appetitive parts of the soul. For the government, this translates to a state where all citizens understand and accept their roles, and where rulers govern with wisdom, not caprice.
  • Aristotle's Golden Mean: Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, positions temperance (or sōphrosynē) as a mean between two extremes: insensibility (a deficiency of pleasure) and self-indulgence (an excess of pleasure). It's the virtue of experiencing pleasures and desires appropriately, neither too much nor too little. Politically, this means leaders making decisions not based on personal gratification or ascetic denial, but on what is truly beneficial for the polis, avoiding both reckless extravagance and paralyzing inaction.

Temperance as a Political Virtue for Government

How does this ancient idea translate into the practicalities of governing? Temperance in politics is the steady hand on the rudder, the thoughtful pause before a decree, the measured response to crisis.

  • For Leaders: A temperate leader is one who resists the intoxicating allure of absolute power. They are not swayed by fleeting popular opinion or personal gain. They exercise fiscal prudence, avoiding wasteful spending or reckless debt accumulation. Their ambition is tempered by a sense of duty and a realistic understanding of limitations.

    • Prudence in Policy: Temperance guides policy-making away from extreme ideologies and towards pragmatic, sustainable solutions. It encourages compromise and consensus-building rather than dogmatic adherence to a single viewpoint.
    • Restraint in Power: It is the virtue that prevents tyranny, ensuring that power is used for the common good, not for personal aggrandizement or the oppression of dissenting voices.

  • For Citizens: A temperate citizenry is essential for a stable government. This means citizens who can engage in civic discourse respectfully, who are not easily swayed by demagoguery, and who understand their rights and responsibilities. It fosters a willingness to compromise and prioritize collective well-being over narrow self-interest.

The Interplay of Virtue and Vice in the Political Sphere

The absence of temperance often manifests as various vices that can corrode the foundations of government and society.

Virtue (Temperance) Vice (Absence of Temperance) Political Ramifications
Self-Control, Prudence, Moderation, Foresight Impulsivity, Recklessness, Excess, Shortsightedness Hasty legislation, economic instability, ill-conceived wars
Humility, Self-Awareness Arrogance, Hubris, Narcissism Tyrannical rule, disregard for expert advice, alienation of the populace
Balanced Judgment, Rationality Emotionalism, Dogmatism, Fanaticism Divisive politics, inability to compromise, persecution of minorities
Fiscal Responsibility, Austerity (when necessary) Extravagance, Corruption, Greed Public debt, squandering of resources, erosion of public trust

Without temperance, political discourse descends into shouting matches, policy becomes a series of reactive measures, and leadership succumbs to the temptations of corruption and autocracy. The idea of a just government remains an elusive dream without this fundamental virtue.

(Image: A classical Greek fresco depicting philosophers engaged in earnest discussion, with one figure gesturing towards a balanced scale or a water clock, symbolizing measurement and moderation. The colors are muted, emphasizing intellectual serenity.)

Historical Echoes from the Great Books

Throughout history, thinkers have grappled with the role of temperance in public life.

  • Cicero: In his On Duties, Cicero emphasizes the importance of moderation and self-control for public figures, linking it directly to dignity and moral authority. A leader who lacks temperance cannot command respect or trust.
  • Machiavelli (by contrast): While not explicitly advocating for temperance as a virtue in the classical sense, Machiavelli, in The Prince, implicitly highlights the dangers of uncontrolled passion or generosity in a ruler, suggesting that a prince must know when to be temperate in his actions (e.g., in showing mercy or using cruelty) to maintain power, even if for pragmatic rather than moral reasons. This shows how the idea of controlled action, even if not from a virtuous motive, is recognized as powerful.
  • Locke: John Locke's emphasis on natural rights and limited government inherently points towards a temperate exercise of power. A government that respects individual liberties and operates within defined boundaries is, by its very nature, a temperate one. The vice of arbitrary power is precisely what temperance seeks to curb.

The Enduring Relevance of Temperance in Modern Politics

In our hyper-connected, often polarized world, the idea of temperance feels more pertinent than ever. We witness daily the consequences of its absence: inflammatory rhetoric, knee-jerk policy reactions, and a relentless pursuit of power without corresponding responsibility.

Embracing temperance in politics means:

  1. Promoting Thoughtful Deliberation: Encouraging leaders and citizens to pause, reflect, and engage in reasoned debate rather than impulsive reaction.
  2. Cultivating Fiscal Prudence: Ensuring that government spending is responsible and sustainable, avoiding the vice of generational debt.
  3. Fostering Ethical Leadership: Demanding that those in power exhibit self-control, integrity, and a commitment to the common good over personal ambition.
  4. Encouraging Civic Dialogue: Creating spaces where diverse opinions can be shared and discussed with respect and a willingness to understand, rather than merely to conquer.

Conclusion

The idea of temperance is far from a dusty relic of ancient philosophy. It is a vibrant, essential virtue for any thriving government and society. From the balanced soul envisioned by Plato to Aristotle's golden mean, the wisdom enshrined in the Great Books of the Western World consistently reminds us that true strength lies not in unbridled power or unyielding passion, but in the disciplined exercise of self-control, prudence, and a commitment to harmony. As Grace Ellis, I urge us all to reflect on how we might cultivate this profound virtue, both in ourselves and in the leaders we choose, for the betterment of our collective future.

Video by: The School of Life

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Video by: The School of Life

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