CAPITAL VIRTUE 2 : TEMPARENCE "ALLEGORY OF MORE"
#Temperance@FA
Temperance is a virtue that involves self-control and moderation in one's actions, desires, and emotions. It is the ability to restrain oneself from excess or overindulgence and to maintain a sense of balance and harmony in one's life. It also involves practicing moderation and balance in one's lifestyle, such as by prioritizing rest and relaxation, avoiding overwork, and engaging in healthy and sustainable habits.
The virtue of temperance is often associated with wisdom and prudence, as it requires thoughtful reflection and self-awareness in order to achieve a balanced and virtuous life.
In USA, during the 19th and 20th century there was a whole movement built around "Temperance".
The "Temperance Movement" was a social and political movement that advocated for the reduction or complete prohibition of alcoholic beverages. The movement emerged in response to concerns about social problems such as alcoholism, poverty, and domestic violence, which were believed to be linked to alcohol consumption.
Prohibition, also known as the "Noble Experiment," was a period in American history from 1920 to 1933 during which the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol was made illegal by the 18th Amendment to the
U.S. Constitution. The goal of Prohibition was to reduce crime, improve public health, and promote social order by eliminating the negative effects of alcohol on society.
The Temperance Movement had its opponents, which escalated into a series of protests.
The so-called "We Want Beer" protests were a series of demonstrations that took place in the United States during the early years of Prohibition. The protests were organized by beer drinkers and supporters of the brewing industry who were frustrated with the ban on alcohol.
The first "We Want Beer" protest took place on May 14, 1932, in New York City, with thousands of people participating. The protesters marched through the streets carrying signs and chanting slogans such as "We want beer, we want beer, we want beer right here!" Similar protests were held in other cities across the country.,
One commonly held moral "lesson" of the Prohibition is that attempts to legislate morality often have unintended consequences and may lead to MORE harm than good. Prohibition was intended to reduce crime, poverty, and social problems associated with alcohol, but instead led to an increase in organized crime, corruption, and violence. The failure of Prohibition has been cited as an example of the limits of government power in regulating personal behavior and the importance of individual rights and freedoms.
If we take a leap in time to the current education system, there is the "Self- Esteem Movement" or "positive self-talk" in psychology and education.
In this educational style, children and adolescents are made believe "they can do everything, and they can have everything they want, as long as they believe in it". "Be positive and everything will be possible".
But is there no danger in this educational style ?
This contemporary movement is being criticized for promoting unrealistic expectations and creating a sense of entitlement among children, which can be harmful to their development and well-being. An extra risk is that it can lead to a lack of resilience and an inability to cope with failure or setbacks.
We want MORE and have it NOW!? You can have it all ?!
A proverbial bottle of beer is not good enough anymore? Where is the balancing line of wisdom ?
And did Breughel say about this ?
“Vivendum, ut nec voluptati dediti et luxuriosi appareamus, nec avara tenacitati sordidi aut obscure existamus”. In english : “We must live in such a way that we do not appear wasteful and extravagant in our pursuit of pleasure, nor miserly and squalid in our grasp of wealth”.
For more information : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZbodklWa7Q_k1cwv1Efjs9c-aRD_88r/view?usp=drive_link
