In this episode, the Stoic Pirate delves into stoic virtue of temperance—understanding it, living it, and transforming through it. Whether you’re seeking to calm the seas of excess drinking, screen time, or simply learning to listen more than you speak, this episode is your map to moderation.
In the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling existence, Stoicism presents us with a profound blueprint: a life anchored in the four cardinal virtues of courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice. This isn't just an ideal; it's a practical guide to navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. Courage empowers us to confront adversity with strength, wisdom enlightens our decisions with insight, justice ensures we treat others with fairness, and temperance teaches us the art of self-restraint, ensuring our desires are balanced by reason. This blend of virtues offers a unique lens to view and engage with the world, guiding us towards living well.
Central to the stoic philosophy is the concept of living virtuously, which, as the Stoic philosopher Epictetus eloquently put it, requires one to "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." This quote underscores the Stoic belief in the alignment of aspirations with actions, all underpinned by virtue. Today, we're honing in on temperance, the virtue that challenges us to find balance and moderation in all aspects of our lives. It's a call to harmonize our desires and actions, ensuring we lead lives not dictated by excess but marked by meaningful restraint and purpose. As we delve into the nuanced virtue of temperance, we not only explore the heart of Stoicism but also embark on a journey to achieve the highest form of personal achievement - a life of purpose, satisfaction, and profound harmony with the world around us. Today's focus on temperance invites us to learn how to navigate life's temptations and excesses with grace and equanimity, a crucial step in maintaining harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.
Temperance is key in Stoicism—it's about balance, discipline, and choosing not to let desires control us. Seneca, a wise Stoic, tells us: “Stand strong against what everyone wants and fears.” This means looking beyond our immediate wants or what scares us, finding happiness not in things or people's opinions, but in ourselves.Seneca also advises, “Anyone can give up everything; no one can have everything. The quickest way to feel rich is to want less.” He's urging us to stop chasing after money, fame, or approval.
True richness comes from contentment with less, finding peace and serenity in simplicity.
But Stoicism doesn't ask us to reject all comforts or live a strictly ascetic life. It encourages us to live consciously, recognizing that everything we have can be lost or taken away. We shouldn't take anything for granted; instead, we should be grateful for every moment we get to enjoy these blessings. Think of all things as temporary gifts. Knowing that we might lose them, we should practice living without them. Occasionally take a cold shower, fast for 24 hours once a month, or walk to work instead of driving. Reflect on this: if you dined at a luxury restaurant every day, would you still appreciate the exquisite food after 10 days? That’s the temperance.
Putting temperance into practice is more than just words; Stoicism offers actionable steps, like embracing discomfort to become stronger. Consider simplifying your diet, minimizing your possessions, or reducing your intake of alcohol, drugs, and gambling. These practices aren't about deprivation but about discovering inner strength and joy that aren't tied to external sources. Reflect on figures like Marcus Aurelius, who chose moderation despite his riches, or individuals today who have overcome addictions or resist the lure of gambling. Their stories illustrate how temperance can liberate our minds and lives.
Moreover, temperance involves being mindful of how much news or social media we consume and not allowing every new opinion to unsettle us. It's about staying calm and making our own decisions, even in the midst of chaos. Seneca encourages us to pursue what truly matters, maintaining our freedom by steering clear of the superfluous. This requires the courage to refuse things that don't add real value to our lives, be they physical, digital, or ideological.
But temperance also extends to how we view ourselves and interact with others. In a world filled with oversized egos, where some believe they know it all, refuse self-criticism, and are quick to teach but slow to listen, practicing temperance means not taking ourselves too seriously. It's recognizing that preaching tolerance means nothing if we're not tolerant ourselves. This is where temperance becomes crucial in moderating not just our habits but our attitudes, ensuring we remain open, reflective, and genuinely receptive to others' viewpoints.
So, temperance is about aligning with our true selves, seeking balance, and finding joy in the essentials. It guides us through today's complex world with Stoicism's age-old wisdom, reminding us, “Live by nature, and you'll never be poor; live by what others think, and you'll never be rich.”Here’s my challenge for you: Identify an area in your life where excess reigns—be it excessive drinking, screen time, gambling, or getting too absorbed in others' opinions. Aim for moderation in that aspect for a week. Practice moderation in expressing your opinions as well, and remain open to listening to others. This is your opportunity for transformation. Embrace the freedom and joy that stem from living with intention, simplicity, and self-control. Experience the profound fulfillment moderation brings. Let’s embark on this journey of temperance together, transforming not just our personal lives but setting an example for those around us. This is temperance.
So, that’s it. But before we part, a hearty invitation to actively join our crew on the podcast of the Stoic Pirate. Subscribe to continue navigating the tumultuous seas of life with the compass of Stoic wisdom. Your engagement makes this journey richer—share your stories, your triumphs in temperance, or pose the questions that stir your soul. Let's make this voyage together, a shared adventure in pursuit of wisdom and balance.
Whether you're battling the storms of excess or seeking the treasure of tranquility, remember: you're not sailing these waters alone.So, until our paths cross again, keep the wind of courage in your sails, navigate with the map of wisdom, share the bounty of justice with your crew, and steer with the steady hand of temperance. This is the Stoic Pirate, signing off. May your journey be bold, your horizon wide, and your heart steadfast. Farewell, and remember: the greatest treasure lies not in the chests of gold, but in a life well-lived. See you in the next episode, fellow seekers. Together, let's keep exploring, questioning, and growing. Subscribe, get involved, and be a part of our community of stoic pirates
