Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which binds the passion

Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which binds the passion

Temperance, as defined by Thomas Aquinas, is a virtue that governs our desires and passions. It is a disposition of the mind that allows us to control our impulses and act in a rational and balanced manner. In his Summa Theologica, Aquinas explains that temperance is the virtue that moderates the desire for pleasure in order to achieve the good of reason. It is the virtue that helps us resist the temptation to indulge in excessive or harmful behaviors.

Aquinas believed that temperance is essential for leading a virtuous life. Without temperance, our passions can easily lead us astray and cause us to act in ways that are harmful to ourselves and others. By cultivating the virtue of temperance, we are able to harness our passions and direct them towards what is good and virtuous.

Aquinas also emphasized the importance of balance in temperance. He believed that temperance is not about denying ourselves pleasure altogether, but rather about finding the right balance between indulgence and restraint. By practicing temperance, we are able to enjoy the pleasures of life in a moderate and controlled manner, without allowing them to dominate our lives.

One of the key aspects of temperance is self-control. Aquinas believed that by exercising self-control, we are able to resist the temptation to give in to our passions and act impulsively. Instead, we are able to act in a deliberate and rational manner, guided by reason and virtue.