Values Quotes – Alexander Pope on Temperance
Today’s quote is from Alexander Pope, the famous 18th century English poet who has become the third most frequently quoted writer in the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.
Regarding the value of temperance, Pope had this to say:
“Health consists with temperance alone.”
There was good reason for Pope to make this statement.
From the age of 12, he suffered numerous health problems, including Pott’s disease, a form of tuberculosis that affects the bone. This stunted his growth such that he was only 4 foot 6 inches tall, and it even caused his body to be deformed with a severe hunchback. His tuberculosis infection caused other health problems including respiratory difficulties, high fevers, inflamed eyes, and abdominal pain.
Not fun.
So even though Pope lived to be 56 years old, he always had to deal with health issues. And therefore the value of temperance was an important ingredient to preserve his health.
As a differentiating value, Temperance means avoiding or abstaining from excess; the practice of moderation.
You don’t have to abstain from enjoying life to have good health. Just excess.
For example, if you like desserts – as I do – temperance is about enjoying a small treat, but not eating a whole pie or whole tub of ice cream in one sitting. It’s about moderation, keeping a healthy balance in every area of our life – from eating to sleeping to working, and even fun activities and hobbies. Too much of anything is not good for your health.
So don’t wait until you’re in a sickly state, like Pope was, to appreciate the value of temperance. Protect your health by practicing moderation.
Today’s value was selected from the “Harmony-Order” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.
