The Observer
By: Don Pax
In a world dominated by instant gratification and limitless choices, the virtue of temperance often feels outdated, even restrictive. Yet, it is precisely in the overwhelming abundance of the 21st century that temperance reveals its enduring relevance. Temperance is not merely the act of saying “no” but the wisdom of knowing when to say “enough.” It is the art of balance, a deliberate effort to align our actions with our values and long-term goals, rather than succumbing to fleeting desires or external pressures.
Ancient philosophers like Aristotle championed temperance as a cornerstone of a virtuous life, a way to achieve eudaimonia (a state of flourishing and fulfillment). Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics highlights temperance as the moderation of desires, a discipline that enables individuals to pursue happiness through reasoned choices. In modern times, psychology echoes this wisdom, showing that self-regulation is a cornerstone of mental well-being. Studies on delayed gratification, such as the famous marshmallow experiment by Walter Mischel, illustrate how the ability
y to manage impulses leads to greater life satisfaction, better health, and stronger relationships. Temperance allows us to move beyond the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake, instead directing our energy toward meaningful, sustainable joy.
Living temperately does not mean rejecting the richness of life; it means engaging with it thoughtfully. It encourages us to savor rather than overindulge, and to act with intention rather than compulsion. For example, choosing to eat a balanced meal instead of indulging in excess nurtures physical health, while limiting screen time fosters deeper real-world connections. Temperance can also mean finding the courage to say “no” to commitments that compromise our peace of mind, ensuring our time and energy are devoted to what truly matters. These small acts of moderation are not constraints but freedom and liberation from the chaos of excess.
The 21st century challenges us with distractions, temptations, and the illusion that more is always better. Temperance provides a counterbalance, a reminder that true fulfillment lies in the quality of our choices, not their quantity. By cultivating temperance, we nurture resilience, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose. It empowers us to live not in reaction to the world but in harmony with it, shaping a life that is not just full but truly fulfilled. As both Aristotle and modern psychology remind us, temperance is not only a timeless virtue but an essential one for navigating the complexities of our modern age.
Bibliography
Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Terence Irwin. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1999.
Mischel Walter. The Marshmallow Test: Why Self-Control Is the Engine of Success. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2014.
