The Measured Soul: Embracing Temperance in a World of Unchecked Desire

In an age often characterized by immediate gratification, the ancient virtue of Temperance offers a profound path to human flourishing. This article explores how temperance, as understood by the great thinkers of the Western tradition, is not merely abstinence but a harmonious ordering of our Desires through the strength of Will. By examining the interplay between Virtue and Vice, we will discover why cultivating temperance is essential for a life of freedom, reason, and true self-mastery, drawing insights from the enduring wisdom found in the Great Books of the Western World.

Temperance: The Architect of Inner Harmony

The human experience is a perpetual dance between impulse and restraint, between the immediate pull of desire and the considered judgment of reason. In this intricate ballet, the virtue of temperance emerges as a guiding principle, offering a profound pathway to a life well-lived. Far from a mere act of self-denial, temperance is the art of moderation, a conscious ordering of our appetites and passions that liberates us from the tyranny of excess.

At its heart, temperance is about self-mastery. It's the ability to govern one's impulses, particularly those related to bodily pleasures and material possessions, with reason and will. It stands as a bulwark against the destructive forces of vice, which often manifest as an unbridled pursuit of pleasure or an uncontrolled aversion to pain.

Consider the words of Plato in his Republic, where temperance (sophrosyne) is depicted as a kind of agreement or harmony between the better and worse parts of the soul. It's the state where the rational part of the soul, aided by the spirited part, holds sway over the appetitive part. This isn't about eradicating desire, but rather about ensuring that desire serves a higher purpose, guided by wisdom.

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, further refines our understanding, positioning temperance as a mean between two extremes: insensibility (a lack of desire or pleasure) and self-indulgence (excessive pursuit of pleasure). The temperate person finds the right amount, at the right time, towards the right objects, for the right reason. This nuanced understanding highlights that temperance is not a cold suppression, but a warm, intelligent regulation.

Key Aspects of Temperance:

  • Self-Control: The capacity to resist immediate gratification for long-term well-being.
  • Moderation: Finding the appropriate balance in all things, avoiding excess and deficiency.
  • Inner Peace: A sense of calm and order that arises from a well-governed soul.
  • Rationality: Allowing reason to guide our choices rather than being swayed by raw emotion or impulse.

The Insatiable Nature of Desire and the Power of Will

Our desires are fundamental to the human condition. They drive us to seek nourishment, companionship, knowledge, and beauty. However, when unchecked, desire can become a relentless master, leading to vice and suffering. The problem isn't desire itself, but its potential to become boundless, pulling us away from our rational faculties and our pursuit of genuine good.

The Stoics, whose wisdom echoes through the ages in works like Seneca's Letters from a Stoic, taught that true freedom comes not from fulfilling every desire, but from understanding which desires are within our control and which are not. They advocated for aligning our will with what is rational and natural, accepting what cannot be changed, and acting virtuously within our sphere of influence.

This brings us to the crucial role of will. The will acts as the executive function of the soul, the faculty that chooses and directs our actions. It is through a cultivated and strong will that we can impose order on our desires, aligning them with our values and long-term goals. Thomas Aquinas, building on Aristotle, saw the will as a rational appetite, distinct from mere sensory appetites. For Aquinas, a virtuous act of will involves choosing the good as discerned by reason, even when confronted by powerful sensory desires.

(Image: A classical Greek sculpture depicting a serene, thoughtful figure, perhaps Plato or Aristotle, with one hand gently resting on a scroll, symbolizing wisdom and self-reflection, while the other hand is open in a gesture of balance and control, set against a backdrop of flowing drapery suggesting inner calm.)

Temperance in Practice: A Philosophical Journey

Let's consider how these ideas from the Great Books of the Western World manifest in practical terms:

Philosophical Tradition Core Teaching on Temperance Impact on Desire Role of Will
Platonism Harmony of the soul; reason governing appetite. Desires are ordered and directed by the rational soul. The will (or spirited part) supports reason in controlling appetites.
Aristotelianism The "golden mean"; moderation between excess and deficiency. Desires are experienced in the right amount, at the right time. The will chooses the virtuous mean, informed by practical wisdom.
Stoicism Control over internal reactions, indifference to externals. Desires for external things are minimized or re-evaluated. The will aligns itself with reason and nature, accepting what is.
Thomism Rational appetite; moderation of concupiscible and irascible appetites. Sensory desires are subjected to reason and the pursuit of good. The will, as a rational appetite, chooses the good discerned by intellect.

Each tradition, while distinct, converges on the idea that true freedom and fulfillment lie not in the unchecked indulgence of desire, but in its intelligent governance by a strong and virtuous will.

The Enduring Relevance of Temperance

In a contemporary world saturated with instant gratification, consumerism, and digital distractions, the virtue of temperance is perhaps more crucial than ever. From managing our screen time to making mindful dietary choices, from financial prudence to the pursuit of knowledge, the principles of moderation and self-control offer a powerful antidote to the societal pressures that often lead to vice and discontent.

Embracing temperance is an ongoing journey, a constant negotiation with our inner landscape. It demands self-awareness, courage, and a persistent dedication to cultivating a life of purpose and integrity. It is the measured soul, not the impulsive one, that truly thrives.

Conclusion

The call to temperance is not a call to austerity, but to autonomy. It is an invitation to master our desires rather than be enslaved by them, to exercise our will in pursuit of genuine flourishing, and to build a character fortified by virtue against the corrosive pull of vice. As the timeless wisdom of the Great Books of the Western World attests, temperance is not merely a moral code but a fundamental pillar of human excellence, paving the way for a life of reason, balance, and profound satisfaction.

YouTube: Plato's Republic - Temperance Explained
YouTube: Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics - Virtue and the Golden Mean

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: "The Virtue of Temperance over Desire philosophy"

Share this post