WEATHERING THE STORM

Observing Equanimity

PEOPLE fall, largely, into two mutually exclusive categories: those reared in the hard school of life, and those born into the lap of luxury. Early environment has a decisive impact upon their yet unformed personalities. It is the way people acquit themselves in their contrasting situations of ease and privation that ultimately determines how their personalities will develop.

To be brought up in the midst of ease and comfort in times of peace and plenty may appear to be the greatest of good fortunes. Yet, that man will have the stronger, better-rounded personality who suffers hardships throughout his life. Too much comfort and convenience turn people into weaklings. Only that person will emerge with the greatest strength of character who puts up a struggle for everything he has. There is a great deal of wisdom in the saying that “it is not ease but effort, not facility but difficulty that makes men.”

On the stormy seas of life, there are countless individuals who are confronted by difficulties. Some emerge unscathed, but more often, a large number lose heart, become a prey to despair and ultimately give up even trying. It is only those who stand firm in the face of adversity, resisting all obstacles which hinder their progress, who will finally advance towards a new and successful life.

But there is one danger to the latter group. Once they have attained their objectives, there is a possible degeneration into materialism as a result of their experiences in a world which is nothing if not materialistic. They must guard against being morally swept off their feet by the status in society which material wealth brings with it. Learning from hardships is no learning at all if all it does is turn people towards materialism. Material possessions do one no good whatsoever if they have been gained at the cost of higher human principles.

Hardship in this world can only truly benefit us if, in the process of the ensuing struggle, we learn the lessons of morality. We can only learn from our experiences provided we do not allow ourselves to be destroyed by them. We must always remember that it is quite possible to taste the bitterness of life’s potion without falling a victim to its poison. The difficulties of life should give us experiences which enable us to become fuller and richer personalities; they should never cause us to descend into negativism.