The 128 most classic philosophical essays in the world

Chapter 52: Strength of Character and Individuality
[United States] Orison Madden

Socrates is worth far more to a nation than a state like South Carolina.

We live in an age of mad chasing after money, yet a strange phenomenon is that even in such an age, ragged, penniless writers, artists and plainly dressed university presidents, they The more prestigious, the newspapers are more willing to spare no space to report their whereabouts or activities.The reason for this contrast may be due to the fact that the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of wealth are two different activities. The former has many positive effects, while the latter has a lot of negative effects.We can almost say with certainty that in a world where money is the standard, one person's success must be at the cost of the failure of hundreds of competitors; It is almost a law that success is also a contribution to society.

Individuality is the stamp we stamp on things, and it is this indelible stamp that determines the full value of all men and all labor.We all believe in mature people.What a magic a great name signifies!Theodore Parker used to say that Socrates was worth far more to a nation than a state like South Carolina.

John Russell, a statesman who served two times as British Prime Minister, said: "In England, all political parties have a natural tendency to try to seek the help of men of genius, but they will only accept the guidance of those who are of great character. "

"By developing character and individuality, I have at last acquired real strength," wrote Canning, the eminent English statesman, in 1801. "I have tried no other route. I also believe that this road may not be the most convenient. , but it is the safest, and I am very optimistic about this.”

For a machine, we can test its performance according to the maximum pressure it can withstand, but the temperature of the room may determine its performance.But who can estimate the inner strength of a great character and personality?

Who could have guessed that a child or two might have an effect on the character of a school?A school's traditions, customs, and behaviors may be completely changed just because of such a few students with extraordinary personalities, and after several generations of students' changes.These students are like the kind of power that is often seen in daily life, and their role is somewhat similar to that of a locomotive pulling a long train of freight cars, and they use their insignificant—but as important as those customs and traditions— The method transformed all of this and became a campus hero.Almost every school teacher can tell you some story like this: how a few powerful students made the school better or ruined it.

Heart mark notes
The most precious wealth in life is a person's noble character and good personality, which are the highest manifestation of human nature.Those who possess the virtues of hard work, honesty, integrity, self-discipline, and kindness will always be respected and loved from the bottom of their hearts, and they will be used as role models and imitated continuously.There are many outstanding figures in the world, and they themselves are like a standing monument, showing the power of personality to the world.Their spirit and thought have a great influence on the formation of the character of the people.When their hearts stop beating and their lives are declared over, great spirits and souls can live on forever, leaving an indelible mark on the history of mankind.

(End of this chapter)