Temper brings you to trouble. Pride keeps you there.

Temper takes you to Trouble, Pride keeps you there.

First then this must be noted, that it is the nature of such things to be spoiled by defect and excess; as we see in the case of health and strength (since for the illustration of things which cannot be seen we must use those that can), for excessive training impairs the strength as well as deficient: meat and drink, in like manner, in too great or too small quantities, impair the health: while in due proportion they cause, increase, and preserve it.

To banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality.

The most damaging forms of intemperance are connected with eating, strong drink, and sexual activities. Overindulgence in any of these is fatal to success. p.88

Know that coyness has a certain extent and if exceeded, shall turn to weakness; generosity has a certain extent and if exceeded, shall become wasting; economy has a certain extent and if exceeded, shall be stinginess; and courage has a certain extent, which if exceeded, becomes recklessness.

He, who the rules of temperance neglects, From a good cause may produce vile effects.

And are not the temperate exactly in the same case? They are temperate because they are intemperate—which may seem to be a contradiction, but is nevertheless the sort of thing which happens with this foolish temperance. For there are pleasures which they must have, and are afraid of losing; and therefore they abstain from one class of pleasures because they are overcome by another: and whereas intemperance is defined as "being under the domination of pleasure," they overcome only because they are overcome by pleasure.

The prophet whose teachings are fountainhead of temperateness, moderation, mediation and justice; a group claiming to excessively love the same prophet feels proud in intemperance, stubbornness and excess and paucity.

The man of power is ruined by power, the man of money by money, the submissive man by subservience, the pleasure seeker by pleasure.

Moderation in times of good fortune is merely dread of the humiliating aftermath of excess, or fear of losing what one has

Verily they are the basest and meanest of men who account avarice prudence, and clemency ignoble.

And hereby it comes to passe, that Intemperance, is naturally punished with Diseases; Rashness, with Mischance; Injustice; with Violence of Enemies; Pride, with Ruine; Cowardice, with Oppression; Negligent government of Princes, with Rebellion; and Rebellion with Slaughter.

Pride and reserve are not the only things in life; perhaps they are not even the best things. But if they happen to be your particular virtues you will go all to pieces if you let them go.