Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Are You Tough Enough?

To some, the word tough casts a misconception. Some see it as a chest-thumping trait that is brash, arrogant, and intimidating. But when we stop and think about it, we find that it is anything but.

Toughness is not barbaric, cruel, or sadistic. It is a quiet and subtle, yet strong inner resolve that often gets mistaken for weakness by those that view tough in a negative light. Toughness is not an overt trait easily seen, at first glance. It is something that is hidden until it is needed.

Mustang at Social Sense has an essay that looks at the toughness of people throughout history and laments the lack of it, in western society today.

Give it a read, when you get a chance.


4 comments:

Obob said...

It is a very good read. But toughness is not just your ability to drink 18 shots of whiskey and wrestle a bear. It is your resolve. Your ability to fight through adversity and surivive. Somedays you win, some you lose.

LA Sunset said...

//Somedays you win, some you lose.//

Good point, Obob.

I have often said, failure is positive feedback. When you fail at something, it tells you something went wrong so you can make the necessary adjustments, in order to get it right the next time.

So in short, I guess we can say that when we get sacked for 20 yards, we know that wasn't the best play to be called. The best thing to do then, is get up and call another play.

Anonymous said...

Toughness has nothing to do with failure; but getting up after failure and trying again does speak volumes about National Character. The sin isn't failing, it's quitting.

Thank you for the linkage, LA.

Semper Fi

LA Sunset said...

//The sin isn't failing, it's quitting.//

Bingo!