When ‘temperance’ driven by reason becomes excessively strict, issues of ‘sadism’ or ‘masochism’ can emerge. Temperance isn’t necessarily a positive trait. ‘Pleasure’ often plays a central role in relationships involving giving or receiving abuse. Although feelings vary among individuals, there is a connection between causing pain and deriving pleasure that satisfies the craving for pain. Some people find more satisfaction in inflicting pain, while others find fulfillment in enduring suffering. Our tendencies toward pain influence how we express our personality outwardly and how we protect ourselves inwardly. If you experience stress from ‘temperance,’ you need the right kind of experience to free yourself within healthy limits. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
We often find that the more intelligent people are critical of the world. However, a wise person does not use their superior abilities to blame others but to help others. When used foolishly, superior abilities can harm the world; when used wisely, they can help the world. Superior intelligence should not be judged by the extent or depth of its knowledge, but by the fruit it produces. Most of the world's abilities are judged by the value of their use rather than their effectiveness of utilization. A tree should be evaluated by its fruit, not its roots or trunk. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”