Hillsdale College

Self-Control

Restrain inordinate passions and impulses.

Self-control is a moral disposition that strengthens the will, enabling it to resist the inordinate impulses and desires that arise from passion and emotion. Both self-control and moderation effectively govern desire, but self-control achieves this through acts of the will, whereas moderation is a habitual tendency of the passions themselves toward reasonable goods. The disposition of self-control, therefore, is a great aid to the acquisition and preservation of moderation and the other virtues, though it does not attain to the same level of moral excellence.

For Grades K-2:

The virtue of self-control gives us the strength to resist urges and impulses that would lead us away from what is good.

For Grades 3-6:

The virtue of self-control gives us the strength of will to resist strong impulses and desires that pull us away from what is good. Self-control is similar to moderation, but where moderation shapes our desires from within, self-control holds them in check through an effort of will.


Featured Stories

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Anne of Green Gables
L. M. Montgomery
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The Secret Garden
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The Three Bears
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Little Women
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The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus
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Lives of Virtue

John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed)
John Chapman earned his moniker "Johnny Appleseed" because of his dedication to planting apple trees and selling seeds and saplings to pioneers. An eccentric and nomadic figure, Johnny stood apart from the usual frontiersman. However, he became an American hero through his generosity and kindness, which was remembered by all who knew him.