Strength of soul does not mean lack of feeling. It is not unfeeling souls that are strong. Strength of soul consists and rising above suffering, in bearing it bravely, in setting before ourselves the highest motives for living, and in allowing ourselves to be guided by them. Of these motives, the highest and most powerful are the supernatural; in other words, the thought of God who alone can satisfy our hearts, and who offers Himself to us for that very purpose. But there are also natural motives, which we must not overlook. A man who is at the mercy of his trials and of his feelings is not fulfilling the end God has in view for him. He is growing smaller, and is no longer worthy of being called a man. Time passes with him, but more or less aimlessly. He plays no part in the world, and does no good. He hasn't the influence he might have.
A CARTHUSIAN They Speak By Silences
