Ever hear of the age old saying patience is a virtue? Or how about: all good things come to those who wait? A virtue, specifically defined by Socrates, is an excellent character trait everyone should strive to achieve. This moral foundation of self-control and tolerance is vital to the human character. Without it life is rushed, forced, unrestrained. Taking your time to learn, feel, and appreciate is beyond doubt a fantastic way to lead life.
In order to distinguish it from others, patience can be defined as: a virtue (its overall genus) that implies one has the ability to remain calm when faced with annoying, angry, or suffering situations (its differentia).
Firstly it is inarguable that everyone requires self-control in their life. It is also something everyone works to achieve. Self-control is a product of patience. Without it people lack structure. For example, try becoming healthier as a person: eating healthy, exercising more often, reducing stress, etc. People who have never tried to do so cannot possibly realize the massive amounts of inner strength that comes with it! Telling yourself "no" to some of your favorite foods, getting up in the morning to exercise, taking that deep breath when you are angry-it all comes from deep within you. That inner strength and quiet confidence can be applied to almost all situations in everyday life. Think of getting that big project done, think of handling your future children, and even think of waiting in line! Yes, it is hard and it takes practice but it is insurmountably rewarding. Learning to wait and to just live is priceless. As all virtues are.
Furthermore, patience is an "excellent" trait. When one rushes through life it is as good as not living. One should take that moment to watch the sunset and listen to the music. Life should not be about getting from point A to point B as quick and correct as possible, you need patience to accept life as how it is with all the road bumps in between. When you accept life for how it is, only then can one be truly at peace, with themselves and with the world.
So it is almost perfect at how well patience fits within Socrates definition of a virtue. Not only is patience an "excellent" trait characterized by inner strength, peace, and tolerance but it is something everyone works to achieve-from not screaming while you are in that huge line at the store-to enjoying life and watching things work out. Patience is applicable at almost any time.
I agree completely with you, In life patience really is key. Without it everything will be rushed and you will never be happy in a sense if you are always impatient. Life isn't all about getting from point A to point B as you said. I love the examples you used as to why this is such an important virtue. Good job!
ReplyDelete-Danielle
You nailed this virtue in my opinion. You gave perfect examples and I see you kept the guidelines in mind. I like how you used Socrates as an example to strengthen your argument about patience and back it up with some philosophical ideas. I had trouble myself with genus and differentia, so it is nice to see someone put it together as simple and effective as you did. I like the way you provided me with different examples and alternative ways to be patient . I can feel myself being more patient as I read. I appreciate that you provided with imagery as well. I really enjoyed reading your post. THANK YOU !
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