In the present paper, I am going to set the main features of temperance that Josef Pieper established in his book of The Four Cardinal Virtues, and I will provide a brief analysis of why chastity is necessary to bee happy. Also I will try to explain the relationship between intemperance and despair that Pieper describes.
The thesis of Pieper is, that the order of temperance can only be implemented looking for you but in a detached manner. Accept the real relationships. The self-possession of the self is not feasible while still putting exclusive look on the human selfishly own. Because of this real relationship, the first of all resides in the ontological dependence upon the Creator. Therefore, power temperance advocates as inner realization. As the main component of the disorder is within man himself. Hence, main element of disorder is oneself: the self. Is oneself the one that judge and decide to incline to the evil.
In the first place, I am going to give Pieper´s definition of the virtue of temperance. He defines the virtue as a “cardinal virtue that help the men to dispose various parts into one unified and ordered whole.” , therefore, in simple words, temperance is the order and harmony within the man. To start I am going to exposed in a better way what is temperance, so in that way it can be understood the relationship of this virtue with happiness and despair. Sto. Thomas, establishes,"...to be what is temperance (ordering on the inside) the first and most immediate effect of temperance is the tranquility of spirit.". Hence, Its fruit of the internal order (tranquility). Prudence is intended order in its universality; seeks the good in general, ordered all other powers to its object, etc.. Justice is intended order for others. The fortress is intended to seek the good without the self (despite the fatigue, etc..). Temperance is intended to achieve