Practical school discipline

by Ray Coppock Beery

Intemperance

Reference has been made to intoxication which is intemperance, but intemperance is a much broader term and implies much more than getting drunk. It is well not to think of intemperance as belonging only to the use of intoxicating beverages. Every pleasurable activity is liable to be carried to excess. Teachers often need relaxation from the wearisome routine of school-room duty. When seeking rest and relief in legitimate recreation care must be taken to avoid excess.

Even in matters of food and drink, dress and social pleasures this caution is needed. The teacher with common sense knows where to draw the line. One can be intemperate in many things, always to his own harm. In passing, the definition of intemperance will indicate just where the thoughtful teacher must stop not to become intemperate. Intemperance is a want of moderation or self-restraint; indulging of any appetite or passion to excess.