Density of character...
This is a concept that I've been mulling over a bit lately. It's something that, I must admit even as I write this, I haven't thought through entirely. So, let me flesh it out, here in the midst of you, in the hopes of earning your feedback.
I use the term Character in a broad and loose sense. I not only refer to the virtue generally associated with the word but also to knowledge, and more importantly, wisdom.
Consider this: Have you ever looked back on your past self and thought "wow, I was an idiot back then." or "I was just a kid. I didn't know anything." If you're old enough to be on Steemit then you've surely thought this. You've thought this, only to look back on your present, wiser self sometime later and think it again!
With that in mind, one would think that as a person gets older they would naturally gain wisdom over time. In my experience, that isn't the case.
You see, I lived with this assumption, this dangerous assumption, for years: "As I get older, naturally I'll get wiser. Naturally I'll begin to get a grasp on life and whats going on. I'll figure it out."
But the hard truth is that I lived those years in perpetual foolishness. I didn't grow in positive character. I didn't grow more intelligent or gain wisdom. I found myself a no better husband for the waiting. Merely adding years to my life didn't win me any Dad of the Year trophies or #1 Dad coffee mugs. Complacency is a soft mistress and she would not see me rouse myself.
Unfortunately, we know that things either grow or they die, and that change is the only constant in life. Tragedy soon struck, and as I carried my younger brother of twenty three years to his grave, the soft mistress of complacency suddenly appeared grotesque.
Over the course of the next year I became a man as malleable as soft clay. I listened to whoever spoke for truth and understanding. If a new experience came about I would try it. In a world of polarized opinions and hard lines, I allowed my edges to be softened.
After some time, by fortune or blessing, I fell in with a group of people who sought after knowledge, wisdom, and good character. It was among these dear friends that I learned the true price of becoming the man that I wanted to be - that I still want to be.
I learned that wisdom is coy, you must pursue her relentlessly. Knowledge cannot be found if it is not sought, and is not easily retained if not used. A man's good character is worth more than gold.
You see, the price of these things isn't just time - it's intention!
Spend your days like coins! Each day redeemed for a profit or some gain!
Is it character you lack? Then do good with intention. Show mercy. Show good favor to those around you whether they deserve it or not. Stand on what is true, ESPECIALLY when it's uncomfortable. Love even the people in your life who are difficult to love - from a distance if necessary, of course.
Is it knowledge you lack? We live in an amazing time where the worlds knowledge is literally at your fingertips. Find the wealthiest person you know and ask what books they recommend. Find the happiest. The healthiest. The smartest. The wisest. Ask them all this same question and compile a reading list. I guarantee that Youtube will have half of the books on that list in audiobook form for free. READ THEM! Listen to them! Allow them to grow you in ways that old reruns of Friends couldn't possibly compete with.
As you do these things and time relentlessly presses in on you, you will develop a nuanced view of life, a density of character. You will stand hard on things that you we're previously too weak to defend, and you will soften in compassion for things that you previously were stubborn against.
But these are just the partially thought through musings of a yet young man, who only knows how little he knows. I could entice you by citing conversations with more than one billionaire, and no small amount of millionaires; these people being not only wealthy but fulfilled in their good character, faith, and healthy relationships. But wisdom peddles itself, and a man will only heed what he's ready for.
Wishing you all knowledge, wisdom, and positive character.
Mas
If you have anything to teach or any ideas, thoughts, criticisms or comments please leave them in the comments section below. Expand my mind!