Tag: philosophy

Old age seems to call for serenity just as youth calls for passion. However, a young man who goes against the nature of youth seems to us to be superior to it, whereas an elderly man who does the same seems to us to be out of step with his age. It is strange because there are countless cases in which conflict seems to be ingrained in an individual’s nature, so that to abandon it would be, for him, to die. Thus, we observe those who, with white hair, remain fierce, passionate, and always embroiled in some struggle. Certainly, it is not for other men to judge them; but old age seems more authentic when it cultivates and radiates peace.

It is unjustifiable for reason to point to an example, to know that envies it, to acknowledge the desire to emulate it, and yet do nothing to achieve it, giving up before even trying. Now, if there is one thing that is certain, it is that merit is often imperceptible to the one who possesses it; that is, the person cultivates it, refines it, and perseveres while sincerely believing to be doing nothing out of the ordinary. But the main point is this: this same person knows to not possess the highest merit; knows of examples better than his own. Thus, he can be humble and move forward with calm and modesty. If he wanted everything right away, he would end up empty-handed; but with the right attitude, he ends up creating something of value. And so the example is doubly useful: to serve as a model, and to demonstrate that this desire to always be the best is, above all, foolish.

Sometimes, the environment can be truly restrictive. And so, the feeling of being trapped within it is well-founded. In these cases, sincere will alone is not enough to transform it: habit, above all, has crystallized a complex and invincible structure. Invincible, as long as one wishes to be part of it, as long as one wishes to benefit from it in some way, or simply is not willing to endure the discomfort of breaking away from it. Because this is the truth: it is always possible to choose the latter option. And if growth is a priority, there is no alternative but to do so—only to discover, after that courageous act, that the so-called discomfort was actually quite ordinary.

There are, and indeed there are, people who would hardly be embarrassed if they knew they had lived for a long time under observation. This contradicts that old saying which, though false, faithfully expresses a certain amount of common sense. But it must be noted, and we must proceed with the necessary examination of conscience. It has been said that the requirement for holiness is nothing more than the desire to attain it. And even so, there is no doubt that it is reserved for the few. However, there is a mandatory minimum, without which the spirit cannot help but succumb. This is evident. Examples abound and prove that nothing is required to follow them: anyone, no matter how few virtues he may possess, cannot afford to forgo this minimum—and must therefore desire to become one of those men. Without this, everything else is of no value whatsoever.