298. When Abstention Becomes the Measure

About this episode

The episode discusses the concept of temperance as a virtue focused on relationships rather than health, exploring its implications in modern wellness culture.

#298: In this episode, Sharif and Kevin turn their attention to temperance — the most misunderstood of the cardinal virtues in modern culture. While today's wellness conversations obsess over macros, seed oils, and "locking in" on the perfect diet, Kevin argues that classical temperance was never about health at all. It's about protecting bonds. Drawing on Augustine, Aquinas, and Aristotle, Kevin explains why temperance is fundamentally about keeping our love and attention "whole and incorrupt" for the people in front of us — and why food, drink, and even mindful eating can quietly hijack the very meals meant to nourish our deepest relationships. Along the way, Sharif and Kevin explore orthorexia, the etiquette of small bites, the strange inhumanity of intoxication, and how fortitude becomes the secret shortcut from white-knuckled continence to genuine temperance. A thought-provoking reframe for anyone who has ever confused discipline around food with virtue. Find more at https://OptimalWork.com

People in this episode

Host: Sharif

Guest: Kevin

Topics covered

• temperance
• wellness
• relationships
• food
• discipline
• virtue

Keywords

• temperance
• wellness
• relationships
• food
• discipline
• orthorexia
• intoxication
• fortitude

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