A Flattering of the Passions
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Know your strongest quality.
Know your preeminent gift – cultivate it and it will assist the rest.
Everyone would have excelled in something if he had known his strong point.
Notice in what quality you surpass and take charge of that.
In some people judgement excels, in others valor.
Most do violence to their natural aptitude and thus attain superiority in nothing.
Time enlightens us too late of what was first only a flattering of the passions.
The Art of Worldly Wisdom, #34, Baltasar Gracián (1601 – 1658)
Can you believe this was true 400 years ago? I so enjoy how he describes our tendency to ignore our passion as "doing violence to it". And the result is that you suck. (That’s my modern interpretation). And then the next line reminds us that we knew all along what our passion was. We felt it land on our arm, walk around a bit (what’s that tickle?), and then we just swatted it away.
Probably more than once.
What natural aptitude have you done violence to? Have you managed to ressurect and heal it yet, or is it still wedged in the crosshairs of your flyswatter?
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October 9th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
A fellow change this author resonates with this, check out Freak Factor: http://www.changethis.com/45.02.FreakFactor
Michael Cayley´s last blog post..Social Capital underpins share values
November 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Thanks for this quote. What’s consistently amazing to me is how meeting with another person and telling them about your passion in life can bring such clarity and a sense of mission, even if you feel like you have no idea what you want going into the conversation. — Best, Chris
Chris Edgar´s last blog post..Podcast: Enjoyment And Efficiency
November 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Here’s the thing, Annie: this is a powerful idea in lots more ways than just seeking our passion or learning what we can do in the world which is worthwhile.
In combination with a bit of self-acceptance and nurturing, the idea of pursuing one’s excellence is far more powerful, in my opinion.
(yes…a true ‘over-performer’ filled with self-doubt, I admit)
Rick´s last blog post..Shock to the system
December 7th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
You have got me thinking…
randy bragg´s last blog post..2008 Depression Or Correction