"Strong feelings do not necessarily make a strong character. The strength of a man is to be measured by the power of the feelings he subdues not by the power of those which subdue him."
William Carleton
This quote reminds me of the writings from the famous Roman Emperor and Stoic, Marcus Aurelius, whose philsophy centres around self-control, specifically one's negative emotions that we all possess as human beings.
To have this ability requires a presence of mind, "mindful" of the present moment and the appropriate repsonse to a situation or individual.
This does not come natural to the human being.
Similar to all the Virtues, patience and presence of mind needs practice like riding a bike or playing the piano.
Next time you're doing the dishes or washing the car, attempt to remain in present time and not let your mind waunder - you'll find it very difficult.
A lot of us have strong feelings about our own opinions, our egos, and the "need" to be right can cause one to 'react' rather than 'respond' after thinking about what has just been said or done.
To "subdue" or temper and be aware of one's negative emotions is a sign of true character.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one."
James A. Froude
English historian (1818 - 1894)
Virtue or true character are not innate but "hammered and forged" throughout a life time.
William Carleton
This quote reminds me of the writings from the famous Roman Emperor and Stoic, Marcus Aurelius, whose philsophy centres around self-control, specifically one's negative emotions that we all possess as human beings.
To have this ability requires a presence of mind, "mindful" of the present moment and the appropriate repsonse to a situation or individual.
This does not come natural to the human being.
Similar to all the Virtues, patience and presence of mind needs practice like riding a bike or playing the piano.
Next time you're doing the dishes or washing the car, attempt to remain in present time and not let your mind waunder - you'll find it very difficult.
A lot of us have strong feelings about our own opinions, our egos, and the "need" to be right can cause one to 'react' rather than 'respond' after thinking about what has just been said or done.
To "subdue" or temper and be aware of one's negative emotions is a sign of true character.
"You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one."
James A. Froude
English historian (1818 - 1894)
Virtue or true character are not innate but "hammered and forged" throughout a life time.
You may be an interesting ""character" (funny, eccentric or charming), but to have character is an entirely different thing.
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