The first glass is for myself, the second for my friends, the third for good humor, and the forth for my enemies.

In this quote, William Temple humorously outlines a ritualistic approach to drinking, dividing the purpose of each glass. He suggests that the first glass is for himself, implying that personal enjoyment and self-indulgence come first. This could reflect the idea of taking care of oneself before sharing or extending hospitality to others, a subtle nod to the importance of self-care.

The second glass is for friends, highlighting the joy of sharing with others. Temple places value on companionship and the social bond formed through shared experiences, like drinking with friends. The phrase suggests that social connections are strengthened by enjoying time together and that hospitality and generosity are important aspects of friendship.

The third glass is for good humor, which is interesting because it shows that the act of drinking, in Temple’s view, has the potential to foster laughter and a positive mood. It implies that drinking should not just be about indulgence or consumption but about creating an enjoyable and lighthearted atmosphere, emphasizing the role of humor in human interactions.

Finally, the fourth glass is dedicated to enemies, which adds a layer of irony to the quote. Drinking to one’s enemies could be interpreted as a way of offering goodwill or reconciliation. It might also be seen as a symbolic gesture of forgiveness or acceptance, showing that one can take the higher road and rise above conflict. Ultimately, William Temple's quote reflects the nuanced roles that drinking and social interaction play in our lives, blending self-care, friendship, humor, and peace.