Temperance (Εγκράτεια)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

We are neither born with knowledge nor wisdom. Therefore, we are not born with an innate understanding of life’s complexities. These are acquired through the experiences we cultivate and the lessons we learn over time. In this journey of self-discovery, temperance emerges as a guiding force, which is an equilibrium of the soul, the self and the mind. It is not merely a passive state, but an active practice, a form of self-discipline that we either master through conscious effort or learn from those sages who exemplify it.

In Meleticism, temperance is considered one of the six fundamental virtues. It is not just a means of self-restraint, but a way of harmonising the aspects of our being, ensuring that our actions align with reason and virtue. Without temperance, we risk succumbing to excess, whether in material desires, emotions or impulses that distort our judgement. It is the foundation upon which moral character is built, providing the structure that supports kindness, diligence, patience and humility.

Philosophy exists as the reasoned exploration of our intellect, an illumination of consciousness that guides us towards wisdom. To be temperate is not merely to abstain from indulgence; it is to practice discernment and to understand when enough is truly enough that we recognise when desire becomes a hindrance rather than an aid. It is the virtue that leads us to a more refined state of being, where our impulses are not unchecked, but measured, where our desires do not dominate our will, but are directed by it.

When we examine our lives through the lens of philosophy, we begin to see how temperance shapes our morality. It does not demand that we reject pleasure, nor does it insist upon an ascetic existence. Instead, it encourages balance, a mindful moderation that allows us to experience life fully without being enslaved by fleeting desires.

Our principles are reflected in how we embody temperance. When we choose virtue, we become conscious of the weight of our actions, the ripples they create in the world around us. To act without awareness is to be adrift in a sea of impulses, at the mercy of whims that serve neither the self nor the greater good. There is no necessity for a divine authority to impose morality upon us when we, as rational beings, have the capability to understand and cultivate it within ourselves. The measure of our guidance in life should not come from external decrees, but from an internalised clarity of virtue.

Judging others is easier than judging oneself. It is far simpler to see evident flaws in those around us than to confront our own imperfections. True growth arises from self-examination, from the willingness to acknowledge and address our own shortcomings. The things that lure us towards vice, which is the tempting indulgence, the desire for dominance, the imposition of the ego are the careless things that lead us astray.

The ego is a persistent force, one that thrives on excess and gratification. When we overindulge in material possessions, in status and in fleeting pleasures, we are not satisfying the true self, but feeding the grand illusions of the ego. The self, when left unhindered, becomes consumed by these illusions, mistaking temporary gratification for lasting fulfillment. Temperance, therefore, is not about suppression, but about clarity. It allows us to differentiate between what nurtures the self and what merely inflates the ego.

In understanding temperance, we also understand that emotions are not meant to be restrained in an absolute sense. Rather, they are to be refined, channelled into expressions that align with wisdom. To feel is natural; to be consumed by emotion without reflection is to be at its mercy. Wisdom is the tool that allows us to navigate our emotions, to understand their source and to decide how best to act upon them.

Applying temperance is not an effortless pursuit. It requires us to confront challenges that test our resolve, to endure adversities that shape our understanding of self-discipline. Life presents us with many temptations, many distractions that pull us away from our higher selves. Once we reach a stage where contemplation leads us to accept our missteps and learn from them, we realise that fulfilment does not lie in excess or deprivation, but in the balance between the two.

To embrace temperance is to be genuine in our actions and mindful of our reality. The modern world is one of ceaseless motion, an evolving landscape that prioritises progress and consumption. Beneath this surface, there exists a deeper truth, which the self that when unmasked is transparent and undeniable. It is in this truth that we find the essence of who we are, unburdened by the illusions that society often imposes upon us systematically.

There is no greater impostor than the ego, no greater deception than the belief that fulfilment is found in external accumulation. Earthly pleasures in themselves are not unnatural. They are a part of existence, meant to be experienced within reason. When they serve to enrich rather than deplete, when they bring joy without harm, they align with the natural order. However, when they become compulsions, when they drive us towards harm, whether to ourselves or others, they lose their important value.

The self is akin to a tree, rooted in its foundation, growing outwards as it matures. It is nourished not by excess but by knowledge, by the wisdom gained through experience. Each thought, each realisation is like a branch extending further into the world, shaped by the forces that influence it. To be at the centre of the self is to find enlightenment, to understand that the self is not the enemy, but an obedient companion to the soul. To eliminate the self entirely would be to exile the soul, to sever the connection between consciousness and existence.

Becoming a better person begins with self-understanding. It is through this acceptance of imperfections, this willingness to grow that we cultivate a more meaningful existence. A life devoted solely to material gain, to the pursuit of external validation is an impoverished one that is devoid of true depth, disconnected from the richness of being. The wonders of life are not found in accumulation, but in the clarity of understanding, in the appreciation of simplicity and truth.

In Meleticism, (To Ένa) the One represents the ultimate truth, the Oneness that unites all existence. It is not found in excess or deprivation, for it is in balance and in contemplation that we are part of a greater whole. The self, when aligned with this awareness, becomes a vessel for wisdom, a reflection of the harmony that exists within the universe.

Temperance is a guiding virtue that creates harmony between the mind, body and soul by encouraging moderation and self-restraint. It is not about strict abstinence, but about consciously maintaining balance, ensuring that desires and actions do not overpower reason or wisdom. Through temperance, individuals refine their character, cultivating inner tranquility and clarity whilst avoiding excesses that lead to imbalance and distraction. This virtue aligns with the cosmic flow, allowing one to act with awareness and purpose rather than being driven by impulsive cravings. By practicing temperance, a Meletic seeks to live in accordance with To Ena, creating ethical integrity and a deeper self-awareness on the path to enlightenment.

Temperance then, is not merely a virtue to be admired, but a principle to be lived. It is the practice of self-awareness, the commitment to balance and the realisation that true fulfilment comes not from indulgence or asceticism, but from the wisdom to navigate between the two. To walk this path is to walk towards enlightenment, towards a life that is rich not in possessions but in profound understanding of life.

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