Temperance is the virtue of self-restraint—not because you’re weak, but because you’re wise enough to know when enough is enough. It means not overindulging, not overreacting, not overspending—learning the art of balance in a world that constantly pushes for more. While others chase extremes, the temperate person walks the middle path with calm strength. Here are five insightful quotes about temperance, along with a true story that shows how holding back can be the most powerful act of all.
A True Story: The Temperance of George Washington After Victory
In 1783, after leading the American colonies to victory in the Revolutionary War, George Washington had the power and popularity to take control of the country. Many wanted him to become king.
But instead of grasping for more, he voluntarily resigned his military command and returned to private life. It stunned the world—no military victor had ever walked away from power like that. King George III reportedly said, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
Years later, Washington became the first president of the United States—but again, he refused a third term, stepping down to preserve the principles of democracy. His story is one of profound temperance: knowing when to lead, and when to let go.
Three Quotes from Books About Temperance
In Nicomachean Ethics (4th century BC), Aristotle described temperance as the balance between excess and deficiency:
The virtuous person is one who finds the mean between too much and too little. Temperance is the moderation of pleasures and desires.
~ Aristotle
In Walden (1854), Henry David Thoreau reflected on simplicity and restraint:
A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.
~ Henry David Thoreau
In The Daily Stoic (2016), Ryan Holiday explained temperance as essential to freedom:
If you seek tranquility, do less. Or more accurately, do what’s essential. Temperance means choosing what matters, and letting the rest go.
~ Ryan Holiday
Five More Quotes About Temperance
In 1738, Benjamin Franklin wrote about temperance as the first of his 13 virtues.
Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
~ Benjamin Franklin
In 1859, John Stuart Mill emphasized temperance in protecting liberty.
The worth of a state in the long run is the worth of the individuals composing it.
~ John Stuart Mill
In 1920, G.K. Chesterton spoke about temperance as joyful control.
Temperance is, unfortunately, too often confused with abstinence. But it is more about savoring than denying.
~ G.K. Chesterton
In 1940, C.S. Lewis wrote about temperance in The Screwtape Letters, describing it as quiet strength.
The temperance of a man is not seen in how much he avoids pleasure, but in how much he refuses to be ruled by it.
~ C.S. Lewis
In 2010, Elizabeth Gilbert emphasized restraint as wisdom in Eat, Pray, Love.
To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life.
~ Elizabeth Gilbert
Life Lesson:
Temperance isn’t about denial—it’s about discipline. It’s the skill of knowing how much is enough and having the strength to stop there. Without temperance, freedom turns to chaos, and success turns to ruin. George Washington’s story reminds us that true greatness isn’t taking everything you can—it’s choosing not to. Hold back. Walk the middle path. And remember: the ability to stop is the mark of someone truly in control.
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