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Adversity Molds the Great Man (From On Providence, by Seneca)
artofmanliness.com ^ | September 20, 2008 | Brett & Kate McKay

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 man’s 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, we’ve become wussified man-children. If we really want to know what we’re 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 ...


TOPICS: History; Society
KEYWORDS: man; onprovidence; seneca

1 posted on 09/21/2008 6:38:50 PM PDT by Publius804
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To: Publius804

“My generation has grown up in a time of unprecedented peace and affluence. Consequently, we’ve become wussified man-children. If we really want to know what we’re 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


2 posted on 09/21/2008 7:02:11 PM PDT by Lonely Are The Brave
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To: Publius804
"The esteem of men is in proportion to the obstacles they have surmounted."

- Voltaire

3 posted on 09/21/2008 7:08:21 PM PDT by wideminded
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To: Publius804

Great post....thanks !


4 posted on 09/21/2008 7:30:59 PM PDT by mick
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