On Fortitude

 Greetings,

Fortitude seems to be an old word, one that does not come up very often. It is a concept which people have ideas about, but it is not often seen in the modern world, which is unfortunate. There are instances and events where it is expressed, but it should be more generally known. It is a characteristic which can determine the individual who will achieve their goals and the one who will not. To understand a thing a person must first know what's being discussed.

To begin with there needs to be some discussion of definition. The first comes from the Oxford dictionary and states that fortitude is, "courage in pain or adversity." A second definition which gives a little bit more about the subject comes from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and provides not only a definition of the word but a secondary definition not used. "1 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage. 2 obsolete : strength."

Both of these sources point toward fortitude as strength of some description, in one example it is simply strength, in the others it is the strength to face adversity, strength of mind, having the courage to face such adversities and continue onward. This concept of strength which is present in the concept of fortitude comes from its Latin root.

"Fortitude comes from the Latin word fortis, meaning "strong," and in English it has always been used primarily to describe strength of mind. For a time, the word was also used to mean physical strength"

This is, again, sourced from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and accompanies the definition of the word, for those who would read on a little bit further than the definition. It notes that while fortitude has been primarily used to describe strength of mind, as indicated previously, the word has also been used as indicated by its Latin root, to simply describe physical strength. When looking at such things the Latin word "fortitudo" is used to describe: strength, bravery, valour, and courage. 

Fortitude is a characteristic which we see in some people, they strive despite the odds of success, and they are admired for such efforts, so they should be. A person who works to better themselves should be encouraged to do so. A person who seeks to fulfil a goal they have set themselves should be encouraged to push onward to that goal. 

Too often in our modern world we see a person strive, and others who have chosen not to strive, to remain settled, complacent, comfortable, not willing to risk what they have. The settled ones try to cut those who strive down, trying to bring them back. A person who stands out from the rest because they have chosen to do good things, to push their limits, to improve themselves, is criticised, shown how they are leaving others behind, shown how they stand out as if it is a bad thing rather than encouraged. Sometimes this is called the "tall poppy" syndrome. It is because they are envious of the success, they are envious of the fortitude of these individuals.

How often do we see that people look for the easy way out? They look for they easy road to take. How much easier is it to stay at home rather than travel? How often do we decide not to attend things because it might be bad weather? The lack of fortitude is evident in many places, even in what is praised by society; avoiding taxes, short-cutting jobs, finding an easy way rather than the proper way. These little things reduce our fortitude encourage us to give up and find the easy way out.

The individual with fortitude will push through the difficulties, will choose to take the road that takes them to their destination regardless of how it looks, regardless of how windy or bumpy it might be. For the individual with fortitude the journey to the destination is as fulfilling as reaching the destination, and they will push through the difficulties, whatever they may be. 

Do you strive for your goals, or sit complacently, sitting comfortably? Do you encourage or do you discourage? Do you have fortitude? 

Cheers,

Henry.