Sophrosyne
The Greek virtue of moderation, self-control, and temperance.
Also known as: Temperance, Moderation, Self-control
Category: Concepts
Tags: philosophies, virtue, wisdom, moderation, self-control
Explanation
Sophrosyne is an ancient Greek virtue meaning moderation, self-control, temperance, and sound-mindedness. It involves: restraint of appetite and impulse, moderation in all things, and knowing one's limits and proper place. For the Greeks, sophrosyne was essential to: individual wellbeing, social harmony, and avoiding hubris (arrogant overreach). The concept includes: knowing yourself (recognizing your limitations), controlling impulses (not being driven by desires), and acting moderately (avoiding extremes). Sophrosyne contrasts with: excess (too much of anything), impulsiveness (acting on every urge), and hubris (thinking yourself above limits). The virtue enables: sustainable living (not burning out), social harmony (not overreaching), and wisdom (clear thinking uncluttered by desire). In modern terms, sophrosyne relates to: self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and delayed gratification. For knowledge workers, sophrosyne means: moderating workload to sustainable levels, controlling impulses toward distraction, and maintaining balance rather than extremes in work and life.
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