All cruelty springs from weakness. – Seneca
What is their weakness, that causes them to act in this manner? What are your weaknesses, and how do they prompt you to act?
What does that mean?
The quote is also translated as:
“All savageness is a sign of weakness.”
In either case, the source, in the end, is weakness. Weakness of mind, weakness of spirit, weakness of character, it all ends badly.
Whether you chose to label the behavior of someone lashing out, from their fear and weakness, against others as savageness or as cruelty, the end result for the person on the receiving end is still the same, isn’t it?
This weakness is where and how some of the most cruel and savage (or even barbaric) treatment of our fellow humans. It also is the source for most of the cruelty to animals. The quote says, in effect, that our human failings are the source of much of human, and animal misery.
Why is having, and showing, strength important?
By minimizing our weaknesses, we can avoid much of the savagery and cruelty discussed in the quote. In other words, by becoming strong, we can stop ourselves from behaving in a savage or cruel manner. By showing our strength, we help others be strong.
Many people are willing to follow an example. If the only example they see is a person who is weak, they will act in the same manner. By learning to be strong, and showing our strength, we become the example that others can use to see that strength, not weakness is the way to act.
By showing our strength, we can show to them that which is proper, they can evaluate their behavior, and try to figure out how to become strong themselves. It also helps to shame those who would continue to behave badly by having a counter example with which others to compare and contrast.
Where can I apply this in my life?
We all are weak in different areas. How often we are tempted, and how often we succumb to the weakness differs from person to person. What is important in my mind is to know yourself, and what your weaknesses are. Have you ever taken time to catalog your weaknesses? It’s not pleasant, but it can be helpful.
As an example, I have a bit of an obscessive personality, and I have addictions to caffeine, chocolate, and have had problems with alcohol in the past. While the caffeine and chocolate haven’t lead to many problems, the alcohol did. What are your weaknesses, and how do they cause you difficulties?
Even ‘little’ weaknesses like being insecure can lead to cruel or savage behavior, if left unchecked. By compiling a list, you can better prepare yourself for what could go wrong. Grab some paper and write them down. Add when, where, or how you are most vulnerable to the weakness as well.
For me, being at a party or at a bar, where you were expected to be drinking, was when I was vulnerable to drinking too much. For me, the solution was as simple as not going any more, or simply taking one (and only one) beverage for the evening.
Take a look at your list and see how many of the items have a common thread. If you tend to drink too much, and get into a lot of fights, perhaps you should spend less time in bars, right? That would help you with two weaknesses at the same time, and minimize the chance of you behaving badly or showing savagery or cruelty.
Come up with a method or two for each of your issues. How can you stay out of the situation? How can you become stronger? How can you better show the strength you already have? Again, these may not be pleasant topics, but it is the way to make sure you protect yourself (and others) from your weakness.
The other thing to consider is how the weakness of others impacts you and your life. Bullies are people who are weak, and try to make up for it by intimidating others. They may be physically powerful, but that means their weakness may be a lack of confidence.
What ever the weakness may be, bullies and other cruel or savage people are doing it because of their weakness. How well do you think things will go if you walked up to a bully and tried to interest them in a discussion about your thoughts on their weakness in self-confidence?
You will need to exercise tact if you are going to engage them directly, right? Another approach is to demonstrate your strength by helping the person to whom they are being mean. That may also cause a bit of a confrontation, but (hopefully) your showing strength will encourage others to join you
From: Twitter, @philo_quotes
confirmed at : http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Seneca_the_Younger#Moral_Essays alternate translation, last quote in the Moral Essays section
Photo by Chesi – Fotos CC
