First Principles Friday: Find Balance as a Leader with Stoic Temperance

Develop this Stoic virtue to do the right thing, the right amount, the right way

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

“Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’”— Marcus Aurelius

Stoicism is a school of philosophy focusing strongly on virtues. The ancient Stoics believed that everything we face in life- both good and bad- is an opportunity to respond with virtue. Specifically, Stoicism is built on 4 cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

For the last two weeks, I’ve discussed courage and wisdom. Today I’m discussing temperance. In more modern language, we would call temperance “moderation.” I also like to think of it as a form of discipline.

Stoic Virtues, graphic by author

How the Stoics define temperance

Temperance refers to striking a balance- not taking something to either extreme…