Discourses on a Sober and Temperate Life cover art

Discourses on a Sober and Temperate Life

Discourses on a Sober and Temperate Life

Written by: Luigi Cornaro
Listen for free

Lewis Cornaro, also called Alvise or Luigi, was an Italian nobleman who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. Discourses on a Sober and Temperate Life collects his four key writings on the importance of diet in sustaining health and long life. In it, he describes his youth of indulgent living, which lead to a great decline in his health and near death in middle age. Acting on doctors' advice, he then completely changed his habits, strictly limiting both eating and drinking. He explains how this change saved his life, gave him the strength to fight off illnesses, overcome physical injuries, and live a vibrant and fulfilling life into his eighties. (He claims to have reached his mid-nineties or more, but scholarship suggests this is exaggeration.) In addition to limiting food and drink intake, he emphasizes the importance of determining which particular foods and drinks best suit each individual. He argues that anyone can follow this strategy, citing examples of historical figures who have done. He advocates for the wisdom and pleasures of old age, asserting that life only improves with time and that to be old should be a goal, not something to fear. Indeed, he even argues that healthy living eliminates the fear of death, and facilitates a gentle and painless passing on to the next world.Copyright Gothic Genre Art Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day-Arnold Bennett

    How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day-Arnold Bennett
    Oct 10 2026
    “How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day” by Arnold Bennett is a timeless exploration of how to make the most of our daily hours. Bennett emphasizes the importance of consciously managing our time, encouraging listeners to reflect on their daily routines and prioritize what truly matters. This insightful work resonates today as many struggle with the demands of modern life, reminding us that a fulfilling existence is within reach if we learn to harness our time effectively. With its enduring themes of self-discipline and intentional living, this audiobook serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking to enrich their lives and embrace each day with purpose.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Strength and How to Obtain It-Eugen Sandow

    Strength and How to Obtain It-Eugen Sandow
    Sep 12 2026
    "Strength and How to Obtain It" by Eugen Sandow delves into the principles of physical strength and the methods to achieve it, emphasizing the importance of a disciplined approach to fitness. Sandow, a pioneer in the world of bodybuilding, shares insights that resonate with anyone seeking to enhance their physical capabilities and overall well-being. The book's enduring themes of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of health are as relevant today as they were at its publication, inspiring readers to adopt a sober and temperate lifestyle. With timeless wisdom on strength training and personal discipline, this audiobook offers a valuable guide for those looking to cultivate both physical power and a balanced life.
    Show More Show Less
    3 hrs and 27 mins
  • Practice of the Presence of God (version 2)-Brother Lawrence

    Practice of the Presence of God (version 2)-Brother Lawrence
    Aug 30 2026
    Lewis Cornaro, also called Alvise or Luigi, was an Italian nobleman who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries. Discourses on a Sober and Temperate Life collects his four key writings on the importance of diet in sustaining health and long life. In it, he describes his youth of indulgent living, which lead to a great decline in his health and near death in middle age. Acting on doctors' advice, he then completely changed his habits, strictly limiting both eating and drinking. He explains how this change saved his life, gave him the strength to fight off illnesses, overcome physical injuries, and live a vibrant and fulfilling life into his eighties. (He claims to have reached his mid-nineties or more, but scholarship suggests this is exaggeration.) In addition to limiting food and drink intake, he emphasizes the importance of determining which particular foods and drinks best suit each individual. He argues that anyone can follow this strategy, citing examples of historical figures who have done. He advocates for the wisdom and pleasures of old age, asserting that life only improves with time and that to be old should be a goal, not something to fear. Indeed, he even argues that healthy living eliminates the fear of death, and facilitates a gentle and painless passing on to the next world.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 22 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet