Temperatism, Volume I

CHAPTER 4

Introducing a Different Agenda—Temperatism

The best state for human nature is that in which, while no one is poor, no one desires to be richer, nor has any reason to fear from being thrust back, by the efforts of others to push themselves forward.

—John Mill

The original temperance social movement emerged in the late eighteenth century in the United States, spreading to other Western societies with members seeking a reduction or prohibition of the consumption of alcoholic beverages, with drunkenness a direct result of the social problems in society. Temperance is often described as a virtue, whereby the individual avoids being overcome by temptation and moderates wants within the boundary of propriety, modesty, and good health. In this ...