“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” ― Maya Angelou
How do we decide if we’re observing strength or weakness, or a unique and dynamic blend of both? When judging behavior, or assessing values and beliefs to categorize what we’re seeing or experiencing, perceptions vary greatly. I’m assuming you’ve noticed this, as well.
For one thing, there is physical strength, which is obvious and easier to gauge. But inner strength based on personality and individual characteristics can be more subjective. For one thing, a truly strong person, emotionally and intellectually, isn’t strong, per se, 100% of the time, right? Usually, though, there is an overriding theme of strength or weakness, especially as each life unfolds, and especially, during challenging circumstances which tend to bring out the best or worst in most of us. Life themes can vary, too, depending on changing personal circumstances, personal growth, and/or the dependable passage of time.
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” ― Vincent Van Gogh
It’s also important to remember that things may not be as they seem. We know that “all that is gold does not glitter.” Exploring our perceptions for accuracy never hurts, and sometimes enlightens or surprises. True strength is usually not gaudy or overly contentious, it may not involve overt, brute strength that is obvious as in a boxing match, for instance. It may, however, point to traits like restraint, good judgement, caring for others in ways that are meaningful, and proactive. Kindness often reveals an understanding of human nature and how to encourage and empower others, as opposed to control and dominance ideas that often backfire. Honesty also begets genuine strength. Twisting the truth in self-serving ways could point to weakness or fear or ulterior motives, as though trying to compensate for a lack of inner strength.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
In the end, people and human nature are complex; at times we judge ourselves and others incorrectly. Bias creeps in, and sometimes we miss behavioral clues and fail to see the deeper meanings of things. On the surface, things may look one way, but it’s not terribly difficult to be misled when we fail to consider context and history and the facts before us. It also takes a degree of wisdom and intuition to perceive people and situations with accuracy, but an open mind that seeks real answers, honest conversation, and genuine communication overall can be a viable pathway to greater knowledge and useful insights. ~
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
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