giovanni
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odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
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Post by giovanni on Mar 30, 2007 18:01:25 GMT
We discussed about strength and violence.
Man commonly confuses them, by saying either strength or violence of Nature (thunderbolts, hurricanes etc.)
Personally, I think strength has an initiate feature (think of Hercules' statue), violence has not.
Strength may be used to correct the faults of our beloved, and violence does not necessarily manifest by strength: psychologically, for instance, which is even worse.
What do you think?
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Post by leonardo on Mar 30, 2007 19:06:53 GMT
Physical strength has it's advantages, to be sure. But emotional strength, strength of character, etc, is in my view, more rewarding.
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giovanni
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Post by giovanni on Mar 30, 2007 19:48:06 GMT
Physical strength has it's advantages, to be sure. But emotional strength, strength of character, etc, is in my view, more rewarding. You are quite right. Strength evokes firmness: the stone
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Mar 31, 2007 1:07:31 GMT
In English the cardinal virtue termed 'strength' has quite a distinct connotation to the equivalent term in both Latin and Greek that can also be translated as 'force'. It is this latter term, viz 'Force', that, I would suggest, has those overlapping connotations of both 'strength' and of 'violence'. As example of two representations of 'Strength/Force', here are two tarot cards, both from 15th century northern Italy, the first showing Herakles (Hercules): These two are quite distinct in obvious ways, and perhaps highlight the point raised by Giovanni. Relating it to the art of the stone-mason, it is interesting that both these representations occur on 12th and 13th century cathedral petroglyphs. As an example of the latter, here is the depiction from Chartres Cathedral:
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Post by lihin on Mar 31, 2007 6:42:32 GMT
Greetings Sisters and Brethren,
Strength is commonly associated with the Active (or Male) Principle, symbolised in FM by, amongst other symbols, the compass.
In the universes of manifestation with their indefinities of states of being, this common association may be inadequate. Manifestation requires the Passive (or Female) Principle, symbolised in FM by, amongst other symbols, the square. Without the Passive Principle, no form can be reflected. Materia prima or Prakriti is the Strength to sustain indefinite variations of manifestations without losing or diminishing in any way this Receptivity, also referred to as Primordial Virginity.
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Post by wayseer on Mar 31, 2007 23:12:09 GMT
Your strength is also your weakness.
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Post by leonardo on Apr 1, 2007 8:08:28 GMT
Your strength is also your weakness. The paradoxical significance of which is unfortunately not available to everyone.
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giovanni
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Post by giovanni on Apr 1, 2007 8:12:50 GMT
strength can be a weakness if it is not properly harnessed; if man avails himself of it for egoistic purposes.
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Post by leonardo on Apr 1, 2007 8:31:20 GMT
strength can be a weakness if it is not properly harnessed; if man avails himself of it for egoistic purposes. A wonderful and concise definition.
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Post by 2 BOWL CAIN on Apr 1, 2007 11:48:37 GMT
Strength may have been a necessary characteristic for the ancient builders, physically and mentally, especially for survival.
Children can act violently, and without strength. Strength is needed for building violence is needed for destruction
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Post by wayseer on Apr 1, 2007 22:34:56 GMT
strength can be a weakness if it is not properly harnessed; if man avails himself of it for egoistic purposes. A wonderful and concise definition. Again - Notice how conventional wisdom changes the whole aspect of the original quote to mean something else other than what was intended - changed into something that sits more comfortably with those subscribing to the religion of conventional wisdom. One strength is also one's weakness. There, I said it again. The statement has nothing to do with 'controlling' or 'manipulating' one's strength.
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Apr 1, 2007 23:51:30 GMT
I agree with you, wayseer, but can also see how that very apt point plays on the various meanings of 'Strength' that, when translated into a Latinised language, seems to not carry the same tone.
I am not totally totally sure about the Italian, but certainly in French "notre force est aussi notre faiblesse" has more precise meaning than the English 'strength' also connoting "what we are good at".
The equivalent was also evident from Giovanni's opening post that shows the Italian language (as too the French) has closer links between 'strength' and 'violence' than does the English because of the general term 'force' (implying both 'fortitude' and 'forced').
This is a case that shows both the limits of language and translation, but also the depths of reflection possible in each language, heading in differing directions.
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Post by leonardo on Apr 2, 2007 10:38:32 GMT
Again - Notice how conventional wisdom changes the whole aspect of the original quote to mean something else other than what was intended - changed into something that sits more comfortably with those subscribing to the religion of conventional wisdom. One strength is also one's weakness. There, I said it again. The statement has nothing to do with 'controlling' or 'manipulating' one's strength. Not every thing can be explained by language. Our interpretation of our exterior or our interior world is often subjective. Just because we "know" what what it is we are trying to say or explain does not necessarily mean our "truths" will be acceptable or appreciated by all. The old adage, "You can't explain colours to a blind man," come to mind. Recognising that even the "blind" have the right to remain "blind" has benefits far, far beyond our earthly (physical) understanding.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2007 4:51:57 GMT
I believe there can be strength with no action at all, love for one example can be felt in terms of strenghth. The strength of energy in my lodge during ritual as well...strength, power, energy. all real even with no accompanied action.
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Post by leonardo on Apr 14, 2007 8:11:12 GMT
I believe there can be strength with no action at all, love for one example can be felt in terms of strenghth. The strength of energy in my lodge during ritual as well...strength, power, energy. all real even with no accompanied action. Wonderful. It is remarkable how many interpretations and definitions exist for this often misunderstood noun. For more, read what Wikipedia has to say: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strength
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