Temperance
The Clear-Eyed Keeper
The story behind this word
Temperance (temperantia) is the oldest name on the virtue side — one of the four cardinal virtues of Plato and the Stoics, the harmony of a soul where appetite gets a vote but not the throne. The medieval tradition made it the direct remedy for gluttony and defined it with a craftsman's precision: not abstention, but measure — the right amount, at the right time. Modern self-control research swaps the framework and reaches the same conclusion: strategy and environment beat gritting your teeth. That sense of measure is what this dimension measures.
The ability to enjoy things in moderation and keep impulses in check.
Temperance is quiet self-respect: your future self gets a vote.
When Temperance is high
Strong self-regulation — you enjoy without excess and set limits that stick. A valuable balance.
When Temperance is low
You often follow impulse first and moderate later. A short pause before indulging can help.
Everyday signals
Even a strength has a shadow when it overflows. Watch for:
- Treating every pleasure as a problem
- Rigid rules that shatter on the first slip
- Secret relief when plans get cancelled
The healthy middle
Moderation is a muscle, not a cage — build in flexibility and forgive the slips.
One question to ask yourself
Does my self-control leave room for joy?
One small practice
Replace one hard "never" with a specific, humane rule — like a planned treat each week.
The psychology behind it
Self-control relates to a wide range of life outcomes, and research emphasizes strategy over willpower (Duckworth et al., 2016).
The other side of the axis
- GluttonyThe Indulgent Hedonist
All 14 dimensions
Curious where you land? Take the free 42-question test.
This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and makes no moral judgment. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Veselka, L., Giammarco, E. A., & Vernon, P. A. (2014). The Dark Triad and the seven deadly sins. Personality and Individual Differences, 67, 75-80.
