Fortitude is one of the cardinal virtues that most of us probably believe we understand. It is often called courage, strength, endurance-the facing of fears. But as ever, when discussed as a virtue, it becomes multifaceted. What is true and virtuous fortitude?
In late 1902, a young officer cadet began corresponding with poet Rainer Maria Rilke. ‘Letters to a Young Poet’ is a collection of Rilke’s letters to the young aspiring writer. In Letter No. 8, Rilke addresses the transformative nature of sadness. Marcus Aurelius was once the most powerful man on earth- a Roman Emperor. ‘Meditations’ […]
In recent history, the virtue of temperance has been associated with strict asceticism. A joyless lifestyle, filled with self-deprivation and suppression. But temperance was never meant to be an extreme. When we look further back in time, we find its essence and purpose. Quotes from Aristotle, Aquinas, Seneca & more. When overcome by a sense […]
What should we do in times of exhaustion? Perhaps ‘nothing’, is not the right answer. With quotes from F. Scott Fitzgerald, Joseph Addison & Charles Mackay. When we carry painful thoughts, a moment in silence can be a moment in hell. Can we tolerate sitting with stillness? Quotes from Seneca, Steinbeck & Eliot. In The […]
What can we do on the days when we can’t get a handle on negative emotions? Sometimes, the best we can hope for, is not to ruin another person’s day. With quotes from Malik, Aurelius & more. Are the cynics of the world bold realisers of truth? Or do they actually just lack the real […]
I am, like many people in the world I think, feeling significantly displaced. In his 1841 essay ‘Friendship’, R. W. Emerson looks at two basic elements that go into the composition of true friendship. With quotes from the essay. ‘Leisure time’ is a relatively new idea, and what it involves has changed dramatically. Does ‘leisure’ […]
Paying attention to what we say allows us to gain insight and promote change through our speech. With quotes from Heschel, Orwell & Eadie. Proverbs are nuggets of wisdom, passed down through centuries which we can still learn from today. ‘The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions.’ The difference between being busy and […]
The act of being good implies adhering to a high standard of moral conduct. At first it may bring to mind someone who is selfless, gentle, caring and incessantly agreeable. True goodness, however, demands of us a number of more complex and at times, thorny obligations. It should take some level of courage to be […]
Do not judge. We are so quick to demonize others, when we ourselves hold our own depravities. We all have both darkness and light. In recent history, the virtue of temperance has been associated with strict asceticism. A joyless lifestyle, filled with self-deprivation and suppression. But temperance was never meant to be an extreme. When […]
Although a characteristic often associated with the downtrodden, humility is in fact a gift granted to those willing to keep their eyes open to blinding light. Do not judge. We are so quick to demonize others, when we ourselves hold our own depravities. We all have both darkness and light. ‘A proverb is a short […]
I am, like many people in the world I think, feeling significantly displaced. Hustle culture is a lie. It will ensure that you miss the most magical moments in life while pursuing the most menial. Fortitude is one of the cardinal virtues that most of us probably believe we understand. It is often called courage, […]
Do not judge. We are so quick to demonize others, when we ourselves hold our own depravities. We all have both darkness and light. ‘A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience’, so said Miguel de Cervantes. This week’s proverb: ‘Do right and fear no man.’ Instead of the punishing thought process, perhaps […]
Paying attention to what we say allows us to gain insight and promote change through our speech. With quotes from Heschel, Orwell & Eadie. Proverbs are nuggets of wisdom, passed down through centuries which we can still learn from today. ‘The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions.’ The difference between being busy and […]
In Other Words | Page 8 of 9 | Making Sense of Good Advice
In this act they redeemed their tragedy. They represented the very best of human nature, shouldering their suffering and showing courage in the face of fear. There are many things we wish we could change to be closer to who we want to be; the difficulty comes in how to make those changes. Imagine a […]