energy for what needs to be done; the trust he inspired in everyone that he meant what he said and was well-intentioned in all that he did; proof against surprise or panic; in nothing either hurried or hesitant, never short of resource, never downcast or cringing, or on the other hand angry or suspicious; generosity in good works, and a forgiving and truthful nature; the impression he gave of undeviating rectitude as a path chosen rather than enforced; the fact that no one would ever have thought himself belittled by him, or presumed to consider himself superior to him; and a pleasant humour.
Self-mastery, also known as temperance, can be one of the most important and difficult virtues to instill within oneself. Marcus is grateful to Maximus for having learned that virtue. In all forms, self-mastery is the gateway to finding contentment. Whether you learn self-discipline in eating, exercise or even how you spend your leisure time, you should find ways to be in control of your desires; and master your ability to manage yourself in completing your duties.
I’m always impressed with people who demonstrate equanimity and good cheer. Your attitude is something which is ‘up to you.’ You can choose your attitude and perception of any situation. While an attitude of good cheer may not change all your circumstances, it can help you stay positive and solve your challenges more easily!
Related to your attitude is forming your character so that it is both gentle and dignified. As I think about this part of the passage, I envision a person who is not too stern, yet not too familiar. There is a right balance between in demonstrating good tact when working with people. Sometimes someone could be too formal or too stern, but equally, poor tact could be acting too informally. Furthermore, someone who strikes the right balance of demonstrating good cheer, gentleness and dignity is someone who possesses energy to always fulfill duties and solve problems without complaint.
Next, we note how Maximus was a man of his word. We too can be someone who does what he says he will do. If you commit to something, do all that you can to keep that commitment. Be genuine in your words; do not inflate and downplay your perception. Speak of things as they are. Always ensure your intentions are the best, no matter what.
Maximus was surprise-proofed and even panic-proofed! Just as something can be water-proofed so that the object is not easily damaged by water, so too can we be surprise-proofed and panic-proofed. We should train our mind and attitude to not be surprised or panicked by anything. Nothing should surprise or shock you, especially if you are 40 years old or older, for, after that age, you will have generally 'seen it all'. One way to proof yourself to surprise and panic is to practice preparing for your death as well as preparing for the worst of circumstances. This practice is called premeditatio malorum.
As you prepare for difficult events and circumstances, be reserved and steady in your reactions so as to be able to apply reason and logic to any circumstance. Do not be hurried or hesitant, rather be deliberate in your thoughts and actions. Furthermore, be resourceful and always upbeat in your attitude. Don't be downcast or wring your hands or be angry or doubtful of everyone's motivations.
As to generosity in good works, we are reminded that there cannot be too much of a truly good thing. It would be absurd to think that someone produces too many good works. Therefore, that advice of being generous with good works, rests on a sound assumption. Along with this advice, we are to forgive quickly and frankly and not hold any grudges. In brief, forgive and forget, then move on, and simply be honest in all you do.
Maximus demonstrated an undeviating rectitude as he was a moral person and chose the right path without ever needing to be forced into that path. So too should we choose what is morally good rather than being forced into it.
Lastly, Maximus lived and acted in a way which never gave the impression that he was belittling others, nor did he give the impression that he was superior to them. He simply had a good nature about him.
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