The Weakness of Strength Theory
After the lengthy articles of my 9/11 series, I’m keeping things short this week. I discovered The Weakness of Strength Theory while browsing The School of Life, an online treasure trove of articles and videos about philosophy and psychology.
A goal of being a virtuous all-rounder is intrinsically unattainable since any strength you are born with or acquire casts a shadow. There is no strength without weakness. Optimism, for example, fosters motivation and gratitude but also encourages denial and naivety. Kind and empathetic people are often taken advantage of or suffer from not prioritizing their own needs.
Knowing this has calmed the restless and unrealistic self-improvement drive of my twenties. Even as I grow and pour gasoline onto my strengths, blindspots are inescapable. Another handy aspect of the weakness of strength idea is that it holds in reverse, thus providing a useful lens through which to appreciate the apparent weaknesses of others. On the flip side of someone’s defect or failing that frustrates or disappoints me, I can usually find a virtue to admire. Although I may dislike a friend’s stubbornness and obsession, I can appreciate his determination and perseverance.
I trust that Mr Jobs agrees.
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