“Temperance is a mean with regard to pleasures.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
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Quote
“Temperance is a mean with regard to pleasures.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle defines temperance as the balance or mean between indulgence and excess when it comes to pleasures. Temperance, in Aristotle’s view, is not about denying oneself all pleasure, but rather about experiencing pleasure in moderation. It involves controlling desires and appetites so that they do not overpower reason, leading to an excessive pursuit of pleasure that can be harmful. Temperance lies in finding the right balance between enjoying the pleasures of life without letting them take control and disrupt the pursuit of a virtuous and meaningful life.
This principle applies to many aspects of modern life, especially in areas like eating, drinking, and material consumption. In a society where instant gratification and overindulgence are often encouraged, Aristotle’s concept of temperance serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and focus on long-term well-being. For example, enjoying food or drink in moderation is an example of temperance, as opposed to overindulging to the point of harming one’s health or self-respect.
In daily life, temperance can be seen in practices like maintaining a healthy work-life balance, where one avoids overworking or over-relaxing. It can also be applied to emotional regulation, where a person strives to maintain calmness and avoid excessive anger or excitement. Aristotle’s idea of temperance encourages us to seek balance in all aspects of life, cultivating mindful enjoyment rather than allowing pleasures to become the dominant force in our lives.
