"Charmides" is a dialogue written by Plato, in which the philosopher Socrates engages in a conversation with Charmides, a young and handsome Athenian aristocrat, about the nature of temperance or self-control. At the beginning of the dialogue, Socrates expresses his admiration for Charmides' good looks and noble character, and asks him if he knows what temperance is. Charmides admits that he does not, but he feels that he ought to, since he comes from a distinguished family that values self-control.