My Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life

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September 27, 2009
10 Comment

“The Hardest Victory Is Over Self.”

Aristotle

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.”
–Aristotle

* Fascinating post on Starfish Envy about “numbness.” Numbness is a very helpful term for a particular state of mind, and the post really got me thinking.

* Have you pre-ordered your copy of The Happiness Project? No? Well, here’s your chance! Lucky you!

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  1. A gigantic Happiness Project victory for me: I refrained from nagging.
  • http://positivelypresent.com Positively Present

    GREAT quote. Thanks for sharing this one, Gretchen! :)

  • Mjx

    I’m afraid that I can’t really think of a better way of describing ‘depression’ than ‘numbness’; feeling and reaction just way down, even absent. This isn’t the same as philosophical (or even resigned) acceptance of what cannot, apparently be changed. I don’t think numb is ever good; to me, it is one of the most frightening states, in a sort of nightmarishly detached way.

    As I read the Starfish Envy post, my gut reaction was ‘depression’. Numbness is normal after a sudden/extreme shock, but if it extends beyond a week or so, it really should be discussed with someone qualified, to ensure that it is not [becoming] a far more serious problem.

    I know; I’ve been there.

  • http://whynotstartnow.wordpress.com/ Patty – Why Not Start Now?

    Yes, life is challenging, but I don’t want to numb my way through it. After reading the post, though, I wondered if it was just a matter of semantics. To me it sounded like she was talking more about being resilient and using good coping strategies, rather than numbing out like a “functional alcoholic.” I think that’s something very different than living your life and going forward in spite of all the big and small pot holes along the way.

  • Frances Ruth Harris

    “When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly, given in its place.” C S Lewis

  • http://www.buoyancee.com/ Ajit Kaikini

    Every scripture tells one common thing – Expectation as a benchmark and Acceptance as a way of living… however, man is foolish! Somehow, the conditioning towards and desires to grow over others and join the rat race is so strong that we all end up being rats!

    If we can conquer that which is inside us rather than all that is outside, enjoyment, happiness and satisfaction is guaranteed. Many, in the name of immediate gratification, are suppossed to be living a great however, at the cost of their very life!

  • Angela

    This quote is very true for me. Most of the issues in my life are born between my ears.

  • http://gwenbell.com Gwen Bell

    Numbness is also on my mind, Gretchen. I’d love to hear what it got you thinking on… Last week I also wrote on the topic of numbness – in connection to the 9 wounds of the body. Dig. xo, gb http://bit.ly/41KWYY

  • elizmck

    I, too, started to equate depression with numbness, which caused me to really starting thinking about the differences. Although depression can certainly have periods of numbness, depression is a painful state. Numbness, by definition, is pain-free, as well as pleasure-free. Numbness also, especially in the context of this blog reference, seems to indicate a retreat or escape from an otherwise painful experience through the numbing of the senses. I understand this somewhat, (I think). Often I deal with clients/people that I have nothing in common with and find myself numbing out when conversations turn to something that thwarts my happiness, (shopping, for example).

    With regards to happiness, I would think that numbness is a coping mechanism used to equalize one’s emotional state so as not to lose one’s sense of happiness in the long run. In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff, numb out and return to the happiness stage when the unpleasant, but minor, business has run its course. Or, if something is not worth losing your happiness over, temporarily numb out until the moment has passed.

  • thehealthylibrarian

    So true! The hardest part is figuring out exactly which parts of yourself are the best parts–and which parts are preventing you from being your happiest.

    What “desires” should be conquered–and what “desires” really are best to keep around–because they do make us happy in the long run.

    It’s not as simple as it may seem. I found psychologist Paul Bloom’s take on this subject very helpful.

    “We benefit, intellectually and personally, from the interplay between different selves, from the balance between long-term contemplation and short-term impulse.

    We should be wary about tipping the scales too far. The community of selves shouldn’t be a democracy, but it shouldn’t be a dictatorship, either.”

    Spent some time on Saturday reading and writing about Bloom.

    “What I Learned From Paul Bloom About My Multiple Personalities – My Long-Term & Short-Term Selves – and the Happiness of Doing Things Differently!”

    http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2009/09/many-selves.html

  • http://personaldevelopmentchallenges.com/ Patrice

    The Hardest Victory Is Over Self – nice quote and it’s true for me.

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