Bundle Of Principles & Emotions

Human beings are mixture of set of principles and emotions. Sometimes, principles themselves conflict with each other. If that happens, one must introspect to find out which one of the principles stays and which one will be out. Most of the time, the emotions of individuals get the better of them leaving the principles out the window. When a person is of impeccable character it can be observed through their actions. It is not associated with a single value, but the set of principles that are reflected in the good choices they make and the bad choices they avoid. Abraham Lincoln said, “Character is like a tree and reputation is like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of; the tree is the real thing”.

Among many good traits, self-discipline is an important trait. One can achieve it through good habits or willpower, to overcome the desires and feelings in order to follow the best course of action or to rise one’s commitment or principles. One has a strong sense of self-control in order to reach a desired goal. Developing the traits of good character can be difficult to foster and maintain, but they afford so many positive benefits to improve the quality of life. Sometimes, other’s action hurt us very badly. It is not how we react and respond to such situation that is important but how we make conscious, intentional decisions to let go of resentment and anger towards someone for an offense whether forgiveness is sought by the offender or not. Forgiveness may or may not include pardoning, restoration, or reconciliation. It extends both to others and to one’s self. The question we must ask ourselves is whether it is okay to give control to our emotions and let go of our character in order to satisfy our need to react and respond? Does it really reduce or enhance our resentment and anger? A good question to ponder.

A person of great character is an optimist (sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future) who develops conscientiousness. This person is thorough, careful, efficient, organized, and vigilant in his/her efforts, based on the principles or sense of what is right. Such a person will be reliable and will definitely do what they say they will do. They will have basic good manners, common courtesies, and etiquette, and are willing to apply those to all people encountered by them. They desire to learn the personal skills of politeness in order to enhance relationships and self-esteem. They will never make rush of blood decisions. They show love and compassion to the fellow beings motivated by a positive disposition and the desire for warm and pleasant interactions. They will be generous and be prepared to offer their time, energy, efforts, emotions, words or assets without the expectation of something in return.

They are generally courageous despite fear of danger, or pain and have the mental fortitude to carry on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best course of action. They practice steadfast persistence and determination to continue with the course of action, belief, or purpose, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable in order to reach a higher goal or outcome. They generally look for a solution that is fair and equitable for all always thinking from the point of view of others involved.

They are very responsible, respectful, loyal, honest and operates with great integrity. Humility is an important trait they always demonstrate leaving aside the feeling of “I” and operate at the best interest of everyone around them. They commit to their own principles more than the feeling of “I” and drop the self-importance. They have open mind to listen to the other views and eventually make an informed decision applying their principles. They are not focused on how to present themselves to others but how they must feel after they get involved in anything they say or do.

Every experience positive or negative is invaluable to them to learn from and they don’t rush to judgment about others. They analyze what part of them connect with the negative traits of others and try to eliminate those traits in them. They understand the character building is life long exercise and they never stop working to build their character. They don’t do that to obtain endorsement from others but to improve the value of their own lives.

 

@GeetaKashyap,

Thank you for your first response. I have seen a few in the rich and poor with great values but as you said these values exist predominantly among the middle class.

The people with values consider the trouble and tribulations as part of life whereas those without values suffer the consequences at some point even though they lead a flashy lifestyle. Peace and happiness are invaluable assets that one need to endure everyday and those with values enjoy these invaluable assets regularly.

 

@Rihana

Some values are inherited from the parents whereas some values are built after we become independent thinkers. I agree with you that all values require regular evaluation at least from the point of view of whether it conflicts with another.

We can add surgical strike and surgical separation to the list provided that would establish peace and happiness. Even then, at some point, to get rid of those thoughts, one needs to forgive and/or forget. Every emotion residing in us causes deep sense of insecurity even after we secure ourselves into a whole new territory.

"Barking dog never bites" is the saying. If the words are acted upon, then, there will be some effect. Political posturing is a very different game when compared to real life and in principle, playing with the emotions of people is incorrect.

There are people who operate in the best interest of others in the family also and you and I have experienced it in our daily lives. But when you look outside for Mahatmas, we fail to recognize the ones that lives with us leading by example by operating in the best interest of the family before their personal interest.

 

Dear Smt. Jayasala:

I thought you might be tied up on something knowing that you haven't replied in a long time. I remember now you telling earlier that you were struck in a place with no WiFi.

The prism through which that Yathartha can be applied is only when it gives peace of mind to that individual and one with self-discipline. Character development is a life-long exercise and every time, when a slight drift takes place, it affects the morale to do the right thing. I understand that the paper may not make curry at the same time, I also understand that unscrupulous life doesn't give peace of mind either. When we apply that yathartha, we have to make sure that it doesn't hurt anyone else in the process. I don't buy into the argument that in order for someone to win, some had to loose.

Lenient attitude by the British were forced on them and by nature the conqueror of the world was not lenient by nature. Mahatma had the backing of the people that couldn't be managed by the meager British troops stationed in India. They literally begged him to contest every time they arrested him so that they can let him go but he always pleaded guilty as charged leaving no option for the British Judge other than punishing him for violating the law. He dictated terms to the British through his truth and fought a mental battle with them.

Viswa

 

Dear Smt. Jayasala:

Even though we have conflicting views, I truly enjoy reading your words of wisdom and practical experiences. You are an epitome of serenity and hopefully I will hear more from you.

Viswa