Purposefully Virtuous Man: Patience

One step up the stairs of self-improvement is to be aware of virtues which we can develop further in ourselves. Is patience a virtue? Perhaps it isn't, but it is the result of a collection of successfully exercised virtues. To fully explain this, I think it is prudent to go to the source; To the definition of the word and its origin. Merriam-Webster defines PATIENT as follows*:

1. bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2. manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3. not hasty or impetuous
4. steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

The first definition alludes to the virtue of Fortitude. That strength of character that allows a man to persevere in spite of the obstacles or discomfort of his endeavor. Why is it important to endure difficulty without complaint? Because we influence those around us directly with our words and actions and when we endure trials calmly, we share a spirit of resilience and perseverance. If we chose to complaint through our trials and troubles, those around us might be discouraged to move forward in their own journey. We might become obstacles in their progress through life.

Here is one of the secrets to achieving everything you set out to do. Patience is the result of well exercised Fortitude, Temperance and Perseverance.

This means that in order for us to become more patient in life, instead of focusing on developing patience, our energy should be focused on developing fortitude and perseverance. * Merriam Webster. www.M-W.com. An Encyclopedia Britannica Company. Web. 4 Nov. 2008. ‹http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patient%5B1%5D?show=0&t=1357151190›.