The fingers of your thoughts are molding your face ceaselessly. — Charles Reznikoff (1894-1976) American Poet
One can be Genteel and yet arrogant. One can have Conviction and yet be bull-headed. The trick is to modify each quality with balancing qualities that either eliminate the possibilities of the negative or at least smooth the rough edges. A willingness to see the other person’s point of view with an open mind often helps. A self study of one’s own prejudices will be of service. An assumption that one will be able to acquire a larger, more objective perspective as we grow is very useful.
Peace,
Jim
GENTEEL
Definitions: (1) elegant or graceful in manner; polite; (2) refined in style or speech
Derivation: French, “gentle”
Familial Qualities: gentlemanly, ladylike
CONVICTION
Definition: (1) a strong persuasion or ardent belief; (2) a state of being free from doubt
Comment: Truth and Conviction
The sincere conviction that something is true will allow the individual who holds that conviction to resonate with a power that presents an argument for truth. Yet that person could be wrong. As a matter of fact, the only thing that may be right is the sincerity of the conviction. Therefore the individual will do whatever he or she can to make the belief resonate with truth.
For example, a vessel much larger than described would be needed for Noah to carry two of every species on the planet; but those who believe this “fact” sincerely, do whatever they can to make it true. They try to make it consistent with logic. If it could be proved or disproved by some objective means, then they could rejoice in their accurate belief or would have to readjust their conviction.
Actual facts as well as facts of belief have the resonance of truth when spoken with conviction. The listener must decide what is objective truth or subjectively true.
Consider the Source
