This concept is nothing new, and was not invented by the Japanese. As a matter of fact, they learned it from the Americans after World War II, when Professor W. Edward Deming went to Japan to help them reconstruct and restructure their shattered industrial and commercial framework. For us to do this effectively, he taught, we must pursue wisdom , live with justice , exercise courage , and behave with temperance . In summary, if we truly dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of becoming a stronger person, a better person, on a continuous basis, we have to master those four principles. And this is only the beginning of that wonderful journey which, once we embark on it, will lead us to fulfilling and rewarding experiences.
Temperance is more than moderation and self-restraint.
You see, the process of tempering steel and glass results in their becoming very strong and flexible, able to withstand tremendous stress without breaking or shattering. Like tempered steel and glass, human beings who make it a habit to exercise temperance in everything they do, also become very strong and flexible, thus being able to withstand tremendous pressures and stress without succumbing or falling apart. Before you take your eyes off the rear-view mirror, your hear that car's horn blowing impatiently at you. That driver is obviously in a great hurry. If you're like most people, you react with a certain degree of discomfort mixed with anger.