Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Quote:“The temperate man desires what he ought, as reason prescribes.”​

“The temperate man desires what he ought, as reason prescribes.”​
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 11
(Translated by W.D. Ross)

ig Idea

Self-control is your brain’s GPS :

• Wild Mode = Eat entire pizza because it’s there → Stomachache.
• Smart Mode = Have 2 slices + salad → Energy for family time.

---

​Real-Life Scenarios

Grocery Temptations

→ Undisciplined: Buy 10 candy bars on sale → Sugar crash.
→ Temperate: Choose dark chocolate + almonds → Steady focus.

Holiday Shopping

→ Undisciplined: Max credit cards for Instagrammable gifts → January debt.
→ Temperate: Make handmade cards + 1 meaningful gift → Happy memories.

Stress Relief

→ Undisciplined: Drink whole wine bottle after work → Hangover + regrets.
→ Temperate: Pour 1 glass + call a friend → Real connection.

---

​What You Can Do

1. ​The “Should I?” Checklist
   Before wanting something, ask:
   • Will this help me ______? (Fill with: play with kids/work better/etc.)
   • What would I advise my best friend?
2. ​Desire Swap
   Replace 1 craving with 1 rational alternative:
   → Late-night chips → Herbal tea + crossword.
   → Impulse Amazon buy → Library book reserve.
3. ​Temperance Tracker
   Use phone notes to log weekly wins:
   Week 1: Resisted 3rd coffee → Avoided anxiety
   Week 2: Skipped revenge shopping → Saved $200