Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
November 13, 1868
The Bedford Gazette
Bedford, Bedford County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
The editorial argues that true strength of character lies in self-restraint and control over strong feelings, not in unchecked passions. It contrasts weak men dominated by emotions with spiritually strong individuals who maintain composure, forgive, and endure trials silently.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
STRONG MEN.
Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power of self restraint. It requires two things, therefore, for its existence—strong feelings and strong command over them. Now we all very often mistake strong feelings for strong character. A man who bears all before him, before whose frown domestics tremble, and whose burst of fury makes the children of the household quake, because he has his way in all things, we call him a strong man. The truth is, that he is the weak man: it is his passions that are strong; he mastered by them, is weak.
You must measure the strength of a man by the power of feelings he subdues, not by the power of those that subdue him. And hence composure is very often the highest result of strength. Did we ever see a man receive a flagrant injury, and then reply quietly? This is a man spiritually strong. Or did we ever see a man in anguish stand as if carved out of solid rock, mastering himself? or one bearing a hopeless daily trial remain silent and never tell the world what cankered his home peace? That is the strength.
He who with strong passion, remains chaste: he who, keenly sensitive, with manly powers of indignation in him, can be provoked and yet restrain himself, and forgive, those are strong men.
Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power of self restraint. It requires two things, therefore, for its existence—strong feelings and strong command over them. Now we all very often mistake strong feelings for strong character. A man who bears all before him, before whose frown domestics tremble, and whose burst of fury makes the children of the household quake, because he has his way in all things, we call him a strong man. The truth is, that he is the weak man: it is his passions that are strong; he mastered by them, is weak.
You must measure the strength of a man by the power of feelings he subdues, not by the power of those that subdue him. And hence composure is very often the highest result of strength. Did we ever see a man receive a flagrant injury, and then reply quietly? This is a man spiritually strong. Or did we ever see a man in anguish stand as if carved out of solid rock, mastering himself? or one bearing a hopeless daily trial remain silent and never tell the world what cankered his home peace? That is the strength.
He who with strong passion, remains chaste: he who, keenly sensitive, with manly powers of indignation in him, can be provoked and yet restrain himself, and forgive, those are strong men.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Strength Of Character
Self Restraint
Moral Strength
Passions
Composure
Forgiveness
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
True Strength Of Character Through Self Restraint
Stance / Tone
Philosophical Exhortation To Moral Strength
Key Arguments
Strength Of Character Is Power Of Will And Self Restraint Over Strong Feelings
Mistaking Strong Feelings For Strong Character Leads To Calling Passionate Dominators 'Strong Men'
True Strength Is Measured By Subduing Feelings, Not Being Subdued By Them
Composure In Injury Or Anguish Demonstrates Spiritual Strength
Remaining Chaste Despite Strong Passion Or Forgiving When Provoked Shows True Manhood