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.
JavaScript is turned off in your web browser. Turn it on to take full advantage of this site, then refresh the page.