"Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness, not through insensibility but through greatness of mind"
- Aristotle
About this Quote
This quote by Aristotle speaks to the concept that suffering can be viewed as lovely when somebody has the ability to bear fantastic disasters with cheerfulness. This is not to be puzzled with insensibility, which is an absence of sensation or emotion, however rather achievement of mind. This implies that the person is able to remain strong and favorable in the face of adversity, and has the ability to discover charm in the suffering. This is a difficult task, as it needs a lot of strength and guts to stay pleasant in the face of great suffering. Nevertheless, it is possible to discover charm in the midst of suffering, and this is what Aristotle is recommending. He is recommending that when somebody is able to remain strong and positive in the face of fantastic suffering, it can be viewed as a stunning thing. This is a powerful message, and one that can be applied to several circumstances.
"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit"