The Virtue of Temperance Over Desire: A Path to Inner Harmony

Summary: In an age of instant gratification, the ancient virtue of temperance offers a timeless antidote, guiding us toward genuine human flourishing. Far from mere self-denial, temperance is the judicious mastery of our desires by our rational will, distinguishing itself from both reckless indulgence and ascetic repression. This article explores how temperance, as illuminated by the foundational texts of the Great Books of the Western World, is not just a moral ideal but a practical pathway to a balanced and fulfilling life, transforming raw desire into purposeful action.

The Enduring Wisdom of Self-Mastery: An Introduction to Temperance

In the intricate tapestry of human experience, few forces are as potent and pervasive as desire. It fuels our ambitions, shapes our loves, and drives us to seek comfort and pleasure. Yet, unchecked, desire can also lead to excess, regret, and a profound sense of disquiet. This is where the profound virtue of temperance steps onto the stage – a concept deeply explored by philosophers throughout history, from the ancient Greeks to the medieval scholastics, whose wisdom is preserved in the Great Books of the Western World.

Temperance is more than just moderation; it is the intelligent and courageous application of our will to govern our appetites and passions. It stands as a cornerstone of ethical living, offering a vital framework for understanding how we can live not merely reactively, but purposefully, with a deep sense of inner control and peace.

The Intricacy of Desire: A Double-Edged Sword

Human desire manifests in countless forms: the longing for food, drink, comfort, recognition, or even knowledge. Philosophers like Plato, in his Republic, conceptualized these desires as distinct parts of the soul, often depicted in his famous Chariot Allegory. Here, the appetitive part (epithymia) represents our basic urges and bodily needs, often likened to a wild, unruly horse.

Without guidance, this horse of desire can pull us headlong into vice. Gluttony, lust, avarice – these are but a few examples of desires run amok, leading to actions that are detrimental to ourselves and others. However, desire itself is not inherently evil; it is a fundamental aspect of our being, necessary for survival and procreation. The challenge, then, is not to eradicate desire, but to integrate it harmoniously within a well-ordered soul.

Temperance as the Golden Mean: Navigating Virtue and Vice

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, eloquently articulated temperance (sophrosyne) as a mean between two extremes of vice: insensibility (a deficiency of pleasure or desire) and self-indulgence (an excess of pleasure or desire).

Consider the spectrum:

Vice (Deficiency) Virtue (Mean) Vice (Excess)
Insensibility Temperance Self-Indulgence
Apathy Prudence Recklessness
Cowardice Courage Rashness

Temperance, therefore, isn't about denying all pleasure or suppressing all desire. Instead, it's about experiencing pleasures and desires appropriately, in the right measure, at the right time, and for the right reasons. It's the intelligent cultivation of a healthy relationship with our inner impulses, guided by reason and a commitment to our greater good.

The Will's Dominion: Directing the Inner Self

Central to the exercise of temperance is the faculty of the will. It is through our will that we make conscious choices, prioritize long-term well-being over immediate gratification, and exert control over our impulses. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, grappled profoundly with the struggle of the will against sin and temptation, illustrating the internal battle required to align one's actions with one's higher intentions.

The will acts as the charioteer, to borrow Plato's metaphor again, guiding the spirited and appetitive horses. It is the executive function of the soul, translating rational understanding into concrete action. Without a strong will, even the clearest understanding of what is good or right can remain theoretical, powerless against the insistent demands of unruly desires. Cultivating temperance, then, is inextricably linked to strengthening one's will, enabling us to choose wisely and act consistently with our values.

(Image: A classical Greek fresco depicting a charioteer with two horses, one docile and white, the other wild and dark, symbolizing reason guiding the spirited and appetitive parts of the soul towards a balanced path.)

Voices from the Great Books: A Legacy of Temperance

The concept of temperance has resonated through the ages, forming a crucial part of philosophical and theological thought.

  • Plato: As mentioned, his Chariot Allegory vividly illustrates temperance as the harmonious control of the appetites by reason, facilitated by the spirited part of the soul (the will). A just individual, for Plato, is one whose soul is ordered, with each part performing its proper function.
  • Aristotle: He categorized temperance as one of the four cardinal virtues (alongside prudence, courage, and justice). For Aristotle, temperance is indispensable for eudaimonia – human flourishing or living well. A temperate person enjoys pleasures without being enslaved by them, thus achieving a state of inner freedom and self-possession.
  • Thomas Aquinas: Integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology in his Summa Theologica, Aquinas further elaborated on temperance as a moral virtue that moderates the concupiscible appetite, particularly in matters of food, drink, and sexual pleasure. He emphasized that temperance allows us to use created goods rightly, according to reason and divine law, rather than being consumed by them.

These thinkers, spanning millennia, consistently championed temperance not as a restrictive burden, but as an emancipating force that liberates us from the tyranny of unbridled desire, allowing us to pursue higher goods and live lives of genuine purpose.

Cultivating Temperance in the Modern World

In our contemporary landscape, marked by consumerism, immediate digital gratification, and a constant barrage of stimuli, the virtue of temperance is perhaps more relevant than ever. It encourages us to pause, reflect, and make conscious choices rather than succumbing to impulses.

Practically, cultivating temperance might involve:

  • Mindful Consumption: Being aware of what, why, and how much we eat, drink, or acquire.
  • Digital Discipline: Setting boundaries for screen time and social media engagement.
  • Financial Prudence: Resisting impulsive spending and practicing responsible saving.
  • Emotional Regulation: Learning to process strong emotions without immediately reacting.

By consistently exercising our will in these areas, we build a stronger self, capable of navigating life's challenges with resilience and grace.

Conclusion: The Triumph of Will Over Impulse

Temperance is not an outdated notion; it is a timeless wisdom that empowers us to live authentically and deliberately. It is the triumph of rational will over unguided desire, leading us away from the pitfalls of vice and towards the fulfillment of virtue. By embracing temperance, we align ourselves with the profound insights of the Great Books of the Western World and embark on a path to true self-mastery, inner harmony, and a deeply meaningful existence.

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: ""Plato Chariot Allegory explained" and "Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Temperance""

Share this post