When I hear the word temperance many things come to mind: moderation, The Temperance Movement, and to avoid extremes in behavior. But what does Franklin mean when he states this as a virtue? He gives us a small clue in his autobiography, where he states roughly, don't eat so much that you are dull and don't drink so much that you are high. It is therefore that I am led to believe Franklin is stating a virtuous or morally excellent life includes moderating the extremes in our behavior. I'd suggest that this is more of a general rule than a never. So don't fret, I believe we can still live a virtuous life and over indulge once a year at Thanksgiving dinner.
I've found over the years that if I am fully immersed in a project the rest of my life can easily become out of focus. It is only with deliberate restraint, composure, and planning that I am able to remain balanced. And even when I'm not on overdrive, but just trying to keep up with life, I can also stumble and lose balance Where have you lost balance? Have you:
- Bought too much
- Said too much
- Worried too much
- Worked too much
- Played too much
- Drank too much
- Eaten too little
- Eaten too much
- Exercised too much
- Exercised too little
- Avoided the necessary
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