Posted on 09/21/2008 6:38:50 PM PDT by Publius804
It is in times of turmoil and strife that true manliness is shown. A life without adversity makes a man weak, dull, and effeminate. In his essay, On Providence, the Roman philosopher Seneca discuses the importance of adversity in shaping a mans life. According to Seneca, it is only through adversity that the Great Man can be created. Theodore Roosevelt understood this principle. It was the basis of his philosophy of the strenuous life. My generation has grown up in a time of unprecedented peace and affluence. Consequently, weve become wussified man-children. If we really want to know what were made of, we must be tested. If you wish to be a great man, avoid the life of ignoble ease and take on difficult tasks.
From On Providence, by Seneca
Success comes to the common man, and even to commonplace ability; but to triumph over the calamities and terrors of mortal life is the part of a great man only. Truly, to be always happy and to pass through life without a mental pang is to be ignorant of one half of nature.
(Excerpt) Read more at artofmanliness.com ...
“My generation has grown up in a time of unprecedented peace and affluence. Consequently, weve become wussified man-children. If we really want to know what were made of, we must be tested. If you wish to be a great man, avoid the life of ignoble ease and take on difficult tasks.”
If that attitude is instilled in our young, I believe there is hope after all..
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
Gladiator
- Voltaire
Great post....thanks !
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.