Patience (Υπομονη)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

Patience is a virtue that few people practise and even fewer truly understand. It is often spoken of as an idea, yet many people fail to understand its deeper significance and the way it governs both thought and action. The logic behind patience is deeply rooted in reason and self-awareness, forming a guiding principle that shapes our consciousness. This principle in its purest form is influenced in the nature of philosophy itself. Philosophy, particularly as it is taught in Meleticism, encourages us to rationalise what we perceive and to interpret what we conceive.

To practice patience is to embrace a state of mental clarity and composure. It creates an ability to navigate life’s challenges without being overwhelmed by impulsive reactions or hasty judgements. When we cultivate patience, we gain access to a serenity that allows us to remain fully conscious of our present reality and the world that surrounds us. In this sense, patience becomes a conduit through which we exercise wisdom, self-discipline and moral fortitude.

Meleticism teaches that the essence of our ethos, which is our guiding moral and philosophical character is strengthened through patience. It is not merely a passive endurance of external conditions, but an active engagement with the natural flow of existence. The ability to wait, to contemplate before acting and to endure without resentment or frustration is a mark of self-possession and wisdom.

Throughout life, we deal with numerous trials and tribulations. These experiences test not only our intelligence and resilience, but our ability also to apply patience effectively. Wisdom does not emerge in an instant; it is developed over time through thoughtful reflection and the absorption of life’s lessons. Similarly, patience is not an innate trait that one either possesses or lacks; it is a proficient skill that must be cultivated and refined through experience.

As mere mortals, our knowledge is limited, and our understanding is constantly evolving. However, we are not just beings of flesh and bone; we are endowed with minds capable of producing thoughts and emotions that interact with our quotidian perceptions and responses. This interaction is where patience or the lack thereof manifests.

When we are confronted with difficult situations, we either respond with patience or succumb to impatience. Impatience is often the result of an unsettled mind, one that has not yet learnt the virtue of measured restraint. There is no rational benefit to impatience; it serves no higher purpose and rarely contributes to the resolution of our difficulties. Rather, impatience tends to shroud our judgement, disrupt our peace and hinder our ability to act with wisdom. It has quondam patterns that we should avoid.

The disruptions that disturb our consciousness often trigger impatience. Whether these disruptions are external, such as obstacles, delays or conflicts compared to internal, such as doubts, desires or anxieties, they test our ability to remain centred. An impatient mind is a restless one, quick to frustration and slow to understanding.

What is important to realise is that patience is not about suppressing our natural emotions or desires. It is not a rigid restraint that denies us our humanity, nor is it an artificial calmness that ignores real concerns. Rather, patience is the capacity to discern between what is within our control and what is beyond it. It is the ability to respond to life’s circumstances with thoughtful consideration, rather than reckless impulse in behaviour.

When we allow impatience to govern us, we become prone to making rash decisions that may lead to regret. We see this often in daily life, when people who act out of frustration rather than reason, let their impulses dictate their choices rather than their intellect. The distinction between impulsive judgement and thoughtful judgement is relevant. Impulsiveness leads to unpredictable outcomes, whilst patience allows us to weigh the consequences of our actions before we commit to them.

The question arises then, why do we so easily succumb to impatience when patience itself is a necessary virtue that benefits us? The answer lies in our unwillingness to embrace discomfort. Patience often requires us to endure moments of uncertainty, difficulty or stagnation. It is precisely in these moments that patience becomes most valuable.

When we act irresponsibly or allow ourselves to be overtaken by impetuosity, we diminish the quality of our decisions and reactions. True wisdom comes not only from experience, but from the ability to reflect on that experience without being influenced by frustration or haste.

Meleticism emphasises the importance of patience in achieving equilibrium and enlightenment. Deep meditation is one of the most effective ways to cultivate patience, as it trains the mind to remain composed and observant. When we meditate, we learn to detach from the distractions that activate our impatience and instead develop a sense of inner stillness.

Patience is also intimately connected to endurance and fortitude. Endurance allows us to withstand hardships without surrendering to despair, whilst fortitude gives us the strength to persist in our pursuit of wisdom and self-awareness. Neither of these virtues can be fully achieved without patience. It is patience that sustains us through the challenges that teaches us to wait for understanding to unfold than demanding it immediately.

To be whole as a person, one must integrate the mind, body and soul. The harmony between these aspects of the self is fundamental for attaining inner peace, and patience serves as the guiding force that brings them into balance. When we are patient with ourselves, we cultivate self-acceptance. When we are patient with others, we demonstrate compassion. When we are patient with the world, we align ourselves with the natural rhythm of existence.

The foundation of philosophy is built upon a temple of virtues, and patience stands amongst them as an essential pillar. Each virtue serves a common purpose in shaping a well-lived life, and patience is no exception to that regard. It is often easier to tolerate that which we desire than to endure that which is imposed upon us. However, true patience is not merely about waiting for what we want; it is more about maintaining composure when dealt with what we do not know.

When we encounter pressure, whether from external circumstances or internal struggles, it is then that patience must be exercised most diligently. It is not enough to value patience in moments of ease; we must practice it in times of difficulty. Patience should not be mistaken for passivity. It does not mean inaction or complacency, but the ability to act with keen deliberation and wisdom.

Impatience, on the other hand, should not be seen as an unnatural flaw. It is a natural response, just as patience is. The difference lies in their consequences. Patience leads to clarity, whilst impatience leads to confusion. Patience cultivates wisdom, whilst impatience breeds frustration. One is reliable, whilst the other is reckless.

Thus, the choice becomes clear, to embrace patience is to embrace a life of measured understanding of thoughtful engagement with the world. To reject it is to risk being swept away by the chaos of impulse and reaction.

Patience is not merely a virtue to admire; it is a practice to embody. It is the convergence between knowledge and wisdom, between impulse and understanding, between frustration and peace. Through patience, we develop the ability to navigate life’s complexities with grace and composure.

Meleticism teaches us that patience is not an external force, but an internal discipline. It is something we cultivate within ourselves, through conscious effort and reflection. The more we practise patience, the more we align ourselves with the deeper truths of existence and (To Ένa) the One.

If we are to live philosophically, we must accept that patience is not a passive state. Instead, it is an active pursuit. It requires endurance, discipline and self-awareness. In return, it grants us the clarity to see the world and ourselves with greater wisdom.

0 Reviews

For more features, such as favoriting, recommending, and reviewing, please go to the full version of this story.