“The spiritual aspect of valor is evidenced by composure—calm presence of mind. Tranquility is courage in repose. It is a statical manifestation of valor, as daring deeds are a dynamical. A truly brave man is ever serene; he is never taken by surprise; nothing ruffles the equanimity of his spirit. In the heat of battle he remains cool; in the midst of catastrophes he keeps level his mind. Earthquakes do not shake him, he laughs at storms. We admire him as truly great, who, in the menacing presence of danger or death, retains his self-possession;”
– Inazo Nitobe, Bushido
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“There is no deed in this life so impossible that you cannot do it. Your whole life should be lived as an heroic deed. Every time you wake up and ask yourself, “What good things am I going to do today?” remember that, when the sun goes down at sunset, it will take a part of your life with it.”
– Leo Tolstoy, A Calendar of Wisdom
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It’s nice to fantasise about being a strong, calm, self assured presence in the world.
But getting older, it’s easier to separate wishful thinking from reality.
I know enough about myself to make some declarative statements.
I will never be a warrior monk.
I am not heroic.
I struggle to live in a state of self-possession.
I do not live out daily deeds. Most days it’s enough to simply be.
I do wish I could be a little braver. Somewhat less prone to procrastination.
However I am never going to evolve into a gung-ho persona.
Not in this lifetime. I have to work with the systems I was born with.
However I can make some tweaks and adjustments.
I can be an an active reader: curious in my self directed studies.
I can learn from others.
There is a lot to be said for inspiration. Even if it does not lead to participation.
Acceptance of my unheroic self does provide me with a modest level of tranquility.
I am not great.
That’s Ok.
Who truly is?
Conversations With Quotations 