I Contain Multitudes
More Self-Reflection
Ever since Elisa passed away in February, I’ve been engaging in a great deal of self-reflection (which hopefully has not devolved into navel-gazing). One thing I’ve realized is that, to quote Walt Whitman, I contain multitudes. Although I wouldn’t exactly say that I contradict myself, I do possess traits and tendencies that on the surface might seem to be somewhat at odds. Consider the following pairs (some of which require explanation and qualification, which perhaps I’ll do some other day):
Serious yet carefree
Intense yet easygoing
Contemplative yet practical
Passionate yet stable
Generous yet cautious
Sweet yet hardheaded
Friendly yet firm
Principled yet adaptable
Decisive yet moderate
Smart yet humble
Aristocratic yet unpretentious
Perceptive yet non-judgmental
I think the root cause of these seeming dualities is my dedication to what the ancient Greeks called phronēsis, commonly translated as practical wisdom. As two examples, I’m serious about matters that deserve to be taken seriously yet carefree about everything else, and intense about matters where intensity is appropriate yet easygoing about everything else. This kind of balance (Greek sōphrosunē) is something I strive for, even if I don’t always attain it.
P.S. I have a lot going on IRL, so I might not post again for a while.
