EN
This article investigates the meanings of the term sophrosyne and its derivates in the Theognis’ poetry. The author identifies moderation in three basic contexts: 1) in the context of the individual as an ability to recognise and keep to the right measure in dealing with pain and pleasure – it is this ability that is the basis of a good relation to oneself and to others; 2) in the context of society, where moderation is a basic assumption of justice and prevents instability and political strife; 3) in the context of the world of the gods, which shows up human inadequacy, while moderation enables people to recognise this inadequacy and maintain moral integrity in the unstable human world.