How do you know what the temperate thing to do is?  That is, when does some of a good thing become too much of a good thing?  Is it as simple as a list of rules to memorize?  One candy bar is good; two candy bars are intemperate?

Aristotle says that Temperance is not a matter of rules, but of reason:

“And so the appetites of temperate men (σώφρωνος) should be in harmony with their reason; for the aim of both is that which is noble: the temperate man (σώφρων) desires what he ought, and as he ought, and when he ought; and this again is what reason prescribes.”

Knowing the temperate thing to do is a matter of practical wisdom.  If we want to be temperate in our actions, then, we must think before we act.  It’s the only thing that makes the difference between doing what is right and doing what feels right.  Of course, we can ignore our reason, and still do the intemperate thing even if we know what we should do.  But if we don’t bother to think at all, we’ve got no chance.

So, pause before you act today; think it out; and

Have a wonderful day.