Forbearance is the root of quietness and assurance forever.
When ambitious desires arise in thy heart, recall the days of extremity thou have passed through. Forbearance is the root of all quietness and assurance forever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of remembering past hardships to cultivate patience and stability in the face of ambition.
Ieyasu Tokugawa's quote reflects on the notion that ambitious desires can lead one to forget the struggles and challenges that have been faced in life. By recalling these past extremities, one can nurture a sense of forbearance, which acts as a foundation for inner peace and confidence. The message suggests that enduring patience is crucial for personal growth and tranquility, serving as a reminder to appreciate the journey and keep a balanced perspective amid desires for success.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire resilience among students.
More from Ieyasu Tokugawa
All quotes βPersuade thyself that imperfection and inconvenience are the natural lot of mortals, and there will be no room for discontent, neither for despair.
The strong manly ones in life are those who understand the meaning of the word patience. Patience means restraining one's inclinations. There are seven emotions: joy, anger, anxiety, adoration, grief, fear, and hate, and if a man does not give way to these he can be called patient. I am not as strong as I might be, but I have long known and practiced patience. And if my descendants wish to be as I am, they must study patience.
Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not.
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