What if the greatest virtue was invisible to everyone but yourself?

Charmides is Plato's luminous dialogue on the nature of temperance-a quality often overlooked but deeply connected to wisdom, peace, and self-governance. Set in the early days of Socrates' return to Athens after the Peloponnesian War, the dialogue revolves around a quiet but intellectually charged conversation between Socrates, the youthful Charmides, and Critias, his ambitious guardian.

What unfolds is a layered inquiry: What is temperance? Is it modesty? Self-control? Mindfulness? Or a kind of knowledge-perhaps even self-knowledge? As Socrates questions Charmides and Critias, he gently exposes the difficulty of defining the virtue that governs our impulses, desires, and judgment.

This modern translation of Charmides maintains the poetic structure and philosophical clarity of Plato's original while ensuring that every nuance is accessible to the contemporary reader.

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:

• A Profound Exploration of Temperance - Examine one of Plato's most refined takes on the inner life and what it means to be ruled by reason rather than desire.
• The Relationship Between Virtue and Knowledge - Consider whether true self-control is rooted in wisdom, not repression.
• Socrates' Elegant Method of Inquiry - Witness a masterclass in how to question assumptions, even in matters of the soul.
• A Dialogue Rich in Ambiguity and Irony - Perfect for readers who enjoy layered meaning and unresolved tension.
• A Clear and Accessible Modern Adaptation - Ideal for students of philosophy, psychology, or those seeking a deeper understanding of self-mastery.

Charmides is a quiet but unforgettable meditation on what it means to be truly calm-and truly in control.