Tag: philosophy

A true vocation solidifies more easily when it does not have a favorable environment. When there are no incentives or, otherwise, when one loses out in exercising it, everything becomes much clearer, and a kind of strength springs from the realization that it is necessary to assume oneself and shameful to deny what one is. Those who carry on without a teacher, a friend, a social or professional environment to encourage them, without a push or even a favorable opinion, wake up one day and realize that they have developed a rock-solid will. And then they have to be very thankful for the circumstances that ultimately favored them.

In the midst of endless human misery, there is always an uplifting example; we just have to look for it. And we should always do so, when study leads to the necessary immersion in the former, to prevent it from completely clouding our vision. Reliving old admirations, remembering the noble and sincere things we have seen, all this comforts and motivates, all this shows how much richer it is to strive for the good. And if the circumstance dismays us, if existence suddenly seems to darken, we must at least cling to the awareness of this conviction.

Almost always, not much is needed for a big decision. But it is necessary to make it and stick to it; it is necessary to honor it. The greatest effort, therefore, is subsequent, and involves converting a state of mind into practice, transmuting an impression into value. This cannot be done without an effective inner change: it is then easy to see that the great decision transforms, and is great because of the lasting effect that follows it and does not allow itself to be corrupted.

Something that distinguishes the character is the perfect notion that the devil is always walking, always at the side, lurking in wait for the slightest falter. Lose fear of him for an instant and the fall is almost certain. Only fools do not realize it. And those who are not foolish, sometimes well aware that there is nothing to joke about, experience the indescribable distress and terror that comes from realizing how weak the flesh is and how low, for how little, it can descend. To have character is, to a large extent, to become accustomed to incessant vigilance.