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More Words of Wisdom

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Adversity can be defined as “adverse fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress.” In its etymology the word, like many others, came into our language from the Latin word “adversus” which means “turned against or opposition” and literally translated means “ad- versus,” that is, “to turn.”

Shakespeare described adversity as “an ugly and venomous toad who wears a precious jewel in its head.”

Adversity can seem like either a constant or occasional albatross following each of us on our ship of life. We cannot avoid it. The only question is how we will react to it. Will our setbacks be stumbling blocks or stepping stones? Adversity might be considered to entail our falling down, but failure is when we stay down and don’t pick ourselves up.

Continuous and long-standing prosperity could have a way of corrupting our virtue. Adversity, even though we don’t ever invite it, builds character. Only in coming to grips with life’s difficulties can we sometime see what our true potential is. Without affliction, calamity, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no appreciation of goodness or virtue. We can certainly discover virtue during times of either prosperity or adversity, but very often the path to virtue will take us in an entirely different direction. First Cicero, and then Sir Francis Bacon have said, “The virtue of prosperity, is temperance; the virtue of adversity, is fortitude.” Adversity will very often make us courageous, but it will make us miserable first. Every misfortune can be turned to our benefit and blessing and can make us stronger, resilient, and more confident. A noble spirit will only appear noblest in times of adversity.

Whether through the death of a loved one, a marriage breakup, a downward drug or alcohol spiral, a debilitating illness, a job loss or money problems, adversity has a way of turning our gaze to God. Prayer should always be the first step with any reversal of fortune. Furthermore, facing adversity alone can seem overwhelming. What is also very important in times of trial and tribulation is to be certain to share our feelings with others and enlist the support of family, friends, or acquaintances to help us face what might be a seemingly impossible situation. It was Plutarch who said, “Adversity is the only balance to weigh our friends.”

Read Michael Hickey’s poem on adversity online at www.marconews.com/news/etc

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Michael Hickey is a local writer and poet. His book, “Get Wisdom,” is published by Xlibris Div. Random House Publishing and is available at 1-888-795-4274 Ext. 822, at WWW.Xlibris.com, or your local bookstore. E-mail Mikehic@nii.net.

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TO TURN by Michael Hickey

Is not the same God

Who loveth us, the God

Who made and loveth all?

Is not the virtue of

Prosperity; Temperance;

That of Adversity; Fortitude?

Is not every

Stumbling block

the same stepping Stone?

Is not the Ugly toad

Wearing a crown jewel

In its forehead?

Is not the stormy sea

That which produces

The seasoned sailor?

Is not the odor

Of sweet incense only

Released when crushed?

Is not a terrible tasting tonic

What the physician prescribes

To nurse us back to health?

Is not a frowning friend

far more favorable

Than a smiling stranger?

Is the dreaded albatross

Maybe friend instead of foe?

Is some goodness trailing

behind every ship of woe?

Is adversity the wisest teacher

Sometime sadly so sublime?

Is The Ancient Mariner calling,

To turn and listen to his Rime?