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 philosophy centers
around self-control, one's mind and 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 response 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 wander - you'll find it very difficult. (I have).
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."
Virtue or true character are not innate but
"hammered and forged" throughout a life time.
James
A. Froude
English
historian (1818 - 1894)
You may be an interesting ""character" (funny, eccentric or charming), but to have character is an entirely different thing.
Something I consider...
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