Why Sophrosyne, an ancient Greek virtue, is more important than ever in the age of AI

Write text messages while driving. Bullying people on social media. Getting involved in the latest conspiracy theory. Pass off AI-generated work as your own.

This may seem like a random list of 21st century vices. But I would argue that they are all examples of the loss of a particular virtue: sophrosyne.

An ancient Greek concept, sophrosyne – pronounced “suh-fros-uh-nee” – is what we might today call “spirituality.” It is a constellation of qualities including moderation, thoughtfulness and self-awareness. It is found in the kind of person who can respect and trust themselves and be respected and trusted by others.

As a philosopher and philosophical consultant, I research the connection between virtue and happiness. In particular, I noticed a connection between sophrosyne and eudaimonia, the Greek philosophical concept of happiness or a good life.

Harmony of the soul

To the Greeks, Sophrosyne represented outstanding character, moderation and self-control….