“Temperance is a mean with regard to pleasures” is a quote that encapsulates the idea of moderation or balance in the pursuit of pleasure. This concept is part of Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean, which suggests that virtue lies between the extremes of excess and deficiency. In the context of pleasures, temperance is the middle ground between indulgence (excess) and insensibility (deficiency).
Temperance, as Aristotle suggests, is not about avoiding pleasure, but about enjoying it in a balanced and moderate way. It’s about finding pleasure in the right things, to the right extent, and at the right time. It’s about not letting our pursuit of pleasure control us, but rather controlling our pursuit of pleasure. This means not overindulging in pleasures to the point of harm or neglecting them to the point of denying ourselves joy and satisfaction.
In today’s world, this idea is highly relevant. We live in a society that often promotes excess, whether it’s in the form of consumerism, workaholism, or hedonism. The pursuit of pleasure, whether it’s material, sensual, or emotional, can often lead to harmful consequences such as addiction, debt, burnout, and unhappiness.
On a personal level, practicing temperance can lead to a more balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life. It can help us avoid the pitfalls of excess and deficiency, and lead us towards a state of eudaimonia, a term Aristotle used to describe the highest form of human good, often translated as “flourishing” or “fulfillment”. It’s about making conscious choices about what we do, how much we do, and when we do it, rather than being driven by our desires or societal pressures.
In personal development, the practice of temperance can be seen in setting healthy boundaries, managing our time and energy effectively, and making conscious choices that align with our values and long-term goals. It’s about cultivating self-discipline, mindfulness, and wisdom in our pursuit of pleasure, and recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from excess or deficiency, but from balance and moderation.
