A plea for temperance The article analyzes the meanings regarding the virtue of temperance, both in
classical culture, respectively ancient philosophy, and in Christian
spirituality. Temperance has first and foremost a rational dimension, as a fair
judgment in deliberation and decision to choose the best means to achieve the
best goals. As a balance of the soul, temperance represents the lucidity of the
mind, consideration, thoughtfulness, prudence, practical wisdom. At the same
time, its educational objective is to form and cultivate the habits that will
lead to self-control through disciplining the senses, promoting restraint,
moderation, sobriety ... In the Greek culture and civilization, temperance as
sophrosyne was an ethical concept, adopted by Christian spirituality to define
the specific values of Christ’s Gospel. SORIN COSMA |
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