Literary notes about temperance (AI summary)
Literature employs the word "temperance" in a richly varied manner, functioning both as a classical virtue and as a marker for modern social reform. In philosophical and moral treatises, it is closely linked with wisdom, justice, and self-control, as illustrated in discussions of the soul’s harmony and balance ([1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7]). At the same time, temperance also appears as a rallying cry in reform movements and political activism, where its promotion is tied to organized conventions and societal progress ([8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16]). Even in more humorous or casual settings, the term serves to underscore moderation or to highlight a character’s disposition ([17],[18],[19]). This multifaceted usage underscores how temperance is not only upheld as a personal moral ideal but is also integral to broader cultural and political narratives.
- The divine mind in her revolution enjoys this fair prospect, and beholds justice, temperance, and knowledge in their everlasting essence.
— from Phaedrus by Plato - Courage and temperance and wisdom and magnanimity are virtues; and there are many others.
— from Meno by Plato - Then the power of each individual in the State to do his own work appears to compete with the other political virtues, wisdom, temperance, courage.
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - My notion is, that our State being perfect will contain all the four virtues—wisdom, courage, temperance, justice.
— from The Republic by Plato - True love is the daughter of temperance, and temperance is utterly opposed to the madness of bodily pleasure.
— from The Republic by Plato - Temperance appears to be the virtue of a part only, and one of three, whereas justice is a universal virtue of the whole soul.
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - The virtue of temperance is the friendship of the ruling and the subject principles, both in the State and in the individual.
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - They thought they would have a "Whole World's Temperance Convention," and they thought well, as the result proved.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - In October, 1890, the Women's Christian Temperance Union held its national meeting at Atlanta, Georgia.
— from The Red Record by Ida B. Wells-Barnett - Antoinette L. Brown was appointed a delegate by two Temperance associations.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - Wisconsin : Woman's State Temperance Society—Lydia F. Fowler in company—Opposition of Clergy—"Woman's Rights" wouldn't do—Advertised "Men's Rights."
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - Invitation was given to the "whole world" to meet there in convention, to promote the cause of Temperance.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - To the Men of Chester County: Permit us once more to plead with you on behalf of temperance.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - 2. "Did Mayor Barstow occasion the schism in the temperance ranks, by refusing to recognize the feminine element in the movement?"
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - 5. "Is it true that Dr. H. refused his pulpit for a temperance lecture by Rev. E. H. Chapin, on the ground that he was a Universalist?"
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - The Carson League , because it presents and advocates a definite plan for temperance political action.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - "I can't possibly go to that Temperance Inn, after your telegraphing that message!"
— from Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy - Queer fellow; lived upon nothing; only drank water; no temperance and teetotal then, so no excuse.
— from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli - “Well, you have not yet taken the pledge, Dusty,” said Mick: “and so suppose we order a go of gin and talk this matter of temperance over.”
— from Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli