There is no virtue in being “Weak and/or Ignorant.”

Starting with that phrase, I think the message is clear: as human beings, we have a moral obligation to ourselves to become humans of value. Value does not come from material things; value comes from virtue. A human with a healthy mind and body can be a person of strong character, intellectual power, and physical ability—first to secure a decent life and protect themselves, and then to protect others. When a human decides to become strong, and acts consciously, it becomes clear to them that strength is not merely physical. Strength is also knowledge, skill, character, and the ability to be a person of integrity based on what is good, true, and deserving of respect.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

— Proverbs 3:7-8

Looking beyond ourselves, there is a responsibility to possess value, and virtue is likely the only thing of true value in life. Virtue gives you the opportunity to present yourself to those you love as a figure of respect, as an example, and as strength in all forms of existence. That human will protect the interests and safety of those they love. Whether it is intellectual, character-driven, or physical strength, if you accept reality as it is, it is easy to see that we must use our lifetime to develop within ourselves something worthy of trust: a human who is reliable and accountable, and a person bound to their word. The best leaders in life have been neither weak nor ignorant; they have always fought for that worthiness of respect and for the well-being of the collective.

“If you find anything in human life better than justice, truth, self-control, courage… turn to it with all your heart.”

— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 3.6

Strength is not temperament, screams, or violence, but the ability to be a source of peace—a person capable of maintaining peace, producing it, and giving it away. It is being a person of love who protects those deserving of protection. Let us not be deceived by people with “Charisma.” Charisma is often a tool used by liars to hook those lacking discernment; charisma is certainly not character. In short, one of God’s first instructions to humans is found in the combination of Genesis 1:28 and 2:24: “Leave the house of your father and mother, be fruitful, responsible, and multiply.” That is not a simple instruction, and certainly, it is one that the mediocre will not follow, simply because becoming 100% independent the right way takes time, work, responsibility, wisdom and effort, and that is the right combination for Character. It pushes a determined mind to create from zero, willing to show their parents, “I am capable, and I can take care of myself.” Regardless of how much or how little your parents have, or whether you come from a rich or poor family, it is a moral obligation for each of us to become independent. If God allows you more through your heritage, that is a plus not everyone has; it is a tool not only to secure your future but also to share with others and push humanity forward. No matter how big or small your achievement, nothing deserves more respect than an independent and hardworking man or woman with a strong character, aiming to make their life and the lives of those around them better.

“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

— 1 Timothy 5:8

When I mention Strength and Character, I am also obligated to say that these are not easy virtues to achieve. They require integrity—not doing what is convenient, but always doing the next right thing, “no matter the outcome.” With all the above said, we must also accept that we are not meant to be alone. We are social beings, and we all want love in our lives. But love is for the responsible. To be a good husband, a good wife, a good son or daughter, or a good parent, you must be able to protect those you love. For men, specifically, the natural role is to protect and provide. Yet, a strong, intelligent, and virtuous woman will always make a stronger man, and as a mother, she will raise strong men and women for future generations. With this, it is clear that no strong man can exist without a strong mother and father; men and women are codependent, each within their natural role defined by nature. Let us be clear that everything of good nature that sustains society has not been built by the weak or ignorant, but by intelligent, strong, virtuous, and integral human beings willing to serve. As the ancient Greek proverb says: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” This is the understanding of the meaning of life.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9

To cultivate yourself and become a person of value, you will need to learn to be alone. Your best disciplines are built in solitude. A person who can study, produce, create, and perform in the darkness, alone and under any condition, is the person who will direct the future. The one truth to accept is that not everyone will walk that path with you. Lately, people are unfortunately too detached from reality due to social media, video games, pornography,  tv shows, fake friendships, or “drinking partners,” often comparing themselves with realities that do not match their own.

“You must alternate solitary work with these things… The one will make us long for men, the other for ourselves.”

— Seneca, On Peace of Mind

I have no intention to teach anything to anyone, but rather to make you think. Be happy with what you have while working on what you want, and regulate yourself by always making sure that what you are working on is of good nature. Become a person of value for yourself and those around you, and understand the value of strength and virtue, as well as the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Charisma is not enough. Let your actions define you before the ones who are important to you. Nobody listens to advice in reality; people see your actions, simply because talking is easy. The one who makes things happen is the one who leads and deserves respect.

“Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them.”

— Epictetus, Enchiridion 46

Written by: Rhet A. Marini