The virtue of temperance occupies a pivotal role, guiding individuals toward self-mastery, balance, and contentment. The multifaceted nature of temperance and its significance in our quest for a more meaningful and harmonious life is extremely important to understand.

Epictetus: Inner Self-Control

Epictetus, famously stated, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” In this statement, he emphasizes the importance of self-control and limiting one’s desires. Epictetus’s wisdom points to the idea that temperance isn’t about abstinence but rather about understanding the distinction between what we can control (our desires and choices) and what we cannot (external circumstances). True contentment, he argues, comes from embracing what we have and letting go of insatiable desires, especially those that directly support any dopamine addiction we may have.

Marcus Aurelius: Inner Harmony

Marcus Aurelius stated, “If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it.” For Marcus Aurelius, temperance was about cultivating a tranquil mind by recognizing that our judgments about external events often lead to emotional turmoil. Through self-awareness and rational reflection, he teaches us to achieve temperance by gaining control over our judgments. The quality of your thoughts are under your direct control, and how you use those thoughts to make determinations about the world are a direct result of how your ability to disassociate yourself from your perceived troubles.

Seneca: Moderation and Self-Reflection

Seneca wrote, “There is no enjoying the possession of anything valuable unless one has someone to share it with.” Seneca emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in our desires and pursuits. He suggests that sharing our blessings with others not only fosters a sense of temperance but also enriches our lives. Seneca’s approach to temperance extends to self-reflection and the pursuit of inner balance. At some point in your life you should have a mastery of a skillset, or at least you should believe you do. At that point, the only way to make sure your efforts were not misplaced is to teach someone else. We must always look to pay it forward.

The Stoic Synthesis: Temperance in Practice

The Stoic virtue of temperance, as elucidated by Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, converges in the practice of self-awareness and self-mastery. It encourages us to regulate our desires, recognize the power of our judgments, and embrace a moderate and balanced approach to life’s pleasures and challenges. By developing these skills, we can attain a state of inner harmony and contentment.

Temperance in Modern Life

The Stoic virtue of temperance remains as relevant today as it was in ancient times. In a world marked by excess and instant gratification, the wisdom of temperance invites us to reevaluate our desires, judgments, and actions. It empowers us to live in alignment with our values, finding fulfillment not in the accumulation of possessions but in the cultivation of inner balance and tranquility. By practicing the Stoic virtue of temperance, we equip ourselves to navigate the complexities of modern life with wisdom and equanimity, fostering a deeper and more satisfying existence. You should ask yourself daily, “is this necessary” and the answer should be clear before you even finish the question if you are paying attention.