005 Temperance or Self-Control

Men and women of the 21st century, you who so swiftly move your fingers over luminous screens, allow me to speak to you of a virtue that, two millennia ago, we called temperance and you now call self-control.

The word has changed, but the essence remains, like wine that, even in a new container, retains the same aroma and power.

Temperance or self-control is the compass of the soul. It not only curbs hunger or lust, it moderates all desires and generates freedom.

Today, you are filled with stimuli, and in this storm, self-control is highly valued in others, but you rarely cultivate it in yourselves.

Do not confuse temperance with weakness or passivity. It is not about stifling desires, but about understanding them, taming them, and placing them at the service of reason. The self-controlled man is master of himself, even surrounded by temptations. He looks at the lavish table and chooses what is necessary. He receives an insult and chooses silence. He acknowledges a desire, but does not kneel before it.

You are daily warriors. You fight distractions, gluttony, anger, envy, but you will only find peace in the stillness of temperance, self-control, or moderation.

Practice this art of governing yourself, of saying "enough" when everything around you screams "more."

In mastering the small lies the strength to face the great.

Observe your world. You are surrounded by excess.

The mind drives the chariot of will, and desires are its horses, strong, impetuous, but without guidance, they drag you into chaos.