In Charmides, Plato posits a term: sophrosyne. The closest we can come to the English translation for this very complex virtue is “temperance.” Temperance is the necessity and the ability to control one’s passions, to act prudently, and to ensure that nothing in life is ever consumed in excess. Sophrosyne is so essential a virtue because it distinguishes the human being from the animal; the latter is incapable of moderation and is guided only by instinct. The human being, however, is able to control, to moderate, and to temper himself or herself.
Politics, like many things we enjoy, is a passion. We can’t help but feel passionate about things we believe in, most especially when they involve a great deal of who we are and what we have at stake. To some people, it’s an opportunity to make income and gain capital, whether it’s social or financial. To others, it’s an opportunity to stand up for what they believe in. To some people, politics becomes an avenue to discuss issues. Still to others, it’s an opportunity to gain leverage and perhaps even popularity.
The difficulty of sophrosyne, in many ways, makes it a quality we can all enjoy. It’s not about denying our passions and self-mortification, as much as it is about knowing the limits to our passion. I cannot be passionate at all if those feelings, emotions, and thoughts are deliberately constructed to spite or to fulfill ends that are less than the common good.
My call, I hope, is clear: to temper your pen.
