Despite the fact that gentleness, like purity, is a rather abstract virtue, I personally feel that it is the simplest of all. Above all, gentleness is “the refusal to inflict suffering, to destroy unnecessarily, to devastate. It is respect, protection, benevolence” (188). Comte-Sponville also refers to gentleness as “An inner peace, the only kind that is a virtue” (186). What could be simpler than promoting peace and denouncing violence? At its core, this is all to which gentleness amounts. A modest virtue, certainly, but important nonetheless.
I enjoyed Comte-Sponville’s decision to introduce gentleness as a feminine virtue. On the very first page, he states that, “Only truth is absolutely universal and hence asexual. But truth has no morality, no feelings, no will” (184). This implies that the collection of virtues—and essentially all emotions in general—can be divided in accordance to gender lines. While violence certainly does exist among women, it is far more common in men; Comte-Sponville makes the points that, “nearly all crimes involving bloodshed are committed by men” and that, “only little boys play at war” (185). Men especially can thus stand to gain from gentleness, and it is more noticeable when they display it. The first sentence of the chapter sums this concept up well: “Gentleness is a feminine virtue. That is why it is especially pleasing in men” (184).
The only potential problem I saw with gentleness was its relation to compassion and generosity; some would probably argue that the three are one and the same. Comte-Sponville makes the distinction between the three quite clear, however, and effectively defines gentleness in the process. As it relates to compassion, “Compassion suffers at the suffering of others; gentleness refuses to produce or increase suffering” (186). This might imply that gentleness is a passive rather than an active virtue, but I do not feel that its passivity makes it any less virtuous in nature. In regard to generosity, Comte-Sponville says, “Generosity seeks to do good; gentleness refuses to do harm…yet so often our acts of generosity vex, our good deeds intrude, overwhelm, even offend” (186). Gentleness is thus related to both virtues, but remains distinct. Ultimately, I feel that it is this relationship that makes gentleness essential; it is the virtue that can coexist with all others and further their causes.
Aspiring to work in the field of diplomacy and peacemaking, I place high regard on the virtue of gentleness, and I particularly enjoyed reading Comte-Sponville’s description of it. He begins by discussing the feminine nature of the virtue and then goes on to say that gentleness is applicable to just about every occurrence in life. He says that “gentleness is love in a state of peace” and is “strength in a state of peace, serene and gentle, full of patience and leniency” (186). Thus, gentleness is very much about peace. However, C-S is quick to point out that aspiring to be peaceful is not the same as being a pacifist, a distinction I think is very important. Sometimes violence is justified, as C-S makes clear, just not innocent. In order to prevent greater evil, violence must, in extreme cases be utilized, a fact which I believe even the most peaceful intellectuals will attest to. What is “extreme” is what becomes subject to the politics of humanity.
It is important to utilize gentleness when interacting with one another and determining how to address a situation. Comte-Sponville mentions over and over that gentleness inherently makes us “more human” (188). He also says that humanity has proven that “one can live without charity. But one cannot live without a modicum of gentleness” (189). Thus, C-S attests to the importance of gentleness in our everyday lives, and I must second this importance. He says that it is the gentleness in a “man’s feminine side that almost always rescues him from the worst” (187). In this statement, we are also able to see the high value C-S places on gentleness. It is closely associated with love or charity-pure love. In this way, it really is what makes us inherently human. Gentleness saves us from violence, just as love saves us from hatred, which can easily lead to violence.
Gentleness is an important aspect of humanity, one of the most vital, truest and instinctive parts of our being. Being gentle is many things, as C-S associates it with a myriad of adjectives. Ultimately, however, it is our choice of charity over personal honor – a bridge to and essential part of what love truly is.
"Gentleness is a feminine virtue. That is why it is especially pleasing in men." (184) I love this opening by Comte-Sponville. Isn't it what we were all thinking? I honestly find gentleness in a man to be incredibly attractive. “What is, or seems to be, feminine about it is its courage without violence, its strength without harshness, its love without anger.” (186) Perhaps this is what women find so attractive about gentleness in men. It is respect. It is being courageous and strong without the negative emotions and actions that tend to go along with them.
“It is the virtue of flexibility, patience, devotion, adaptability.” (188) Gentleness, without a doubt, is a challenge for most. It is hard to be flexible when plans change; it is a challenge to be patient with an impossible person. That is why gentleness is a virtue for both males and females. Though it seems to be a feminine trait, it is something that women must work at as well. Gentleness is a virtue that we must consciously remind ourselves of. It is a struggle against our very nature and emotions.
Gentleness definitely requires change. Gentleness is included as one of the “Fruits of the Spirits” in the Bible. Therefore, gentleness is made possible through Christ living within us. With this in mind, gentleness can definitely be seen as another outpouring of love. If we have the perfect “Agape” love of Christ living within us, gentleness is made easier, though we still must fight our human nature to be impatient and hardheaded. Gentleness, as I see the rest of the virtues, is an expression of love—an outward sign of an inward emotion of Agape for all mankind.
"What is, or seems to be, feminine about it [gentleness] is its courage without violence, its strength without harshness, its love without anger" (186). C-S goes on to discuss how gentleness contains strength, and it, above all other virtues, most resembles love. "Gentleness yields to reality, to life, to becoming, to the imperfections of daily life, for it is the virtue of flexibility, patience, devotion, adaptability" (188). Gentleness is what makes humanity more human. Despite this, though, it is not always easy to emulate gentleness, particularly when it comes to war, war crimes, capital punishment, etc. Yet if we are gentle, we must consider those lives as if they were our own. C-S states that "there is gentleness to limit our violence as much as it can, to the necessary or acceptable minimum" (194). Gentleness, as Karlie mentioned, is a challenge for most people, and something to work toward constantly. It is something that comes with practice and is furthered by ourselves being recipients of gentleness. It is a feminine virtue, but one for both males and females to practice.
Comte-Sponville tells us, "Gentleness and purity almost always go together, since violence is the preeminent evil, the preeminent obscenity, since evil harms, and egoism, in its avidicity, tactlessness, and brutality, corrupts everything." I find this particular point very interesting, relating the absence of gentleness with the absence of purity. When we practice brutality without concern for being gentle and humane in our relations with others, we bring about corruption, and therefore obstruct purity. If gentleness is what brings us to the height of humanity and is a way of expressing our love for one another as members of the human race, it certainly contributes to the overall purity of the human race as well.
I'm not sure if I agree with Comte-Sponville's assertion that gentleness is a "feminine virtue," because I don't necessarily see actions along gender lines; however, it does bring to mind the idea of a mother's nurturing instincts, which are nearly always associated with gentleness. However, I feel that a father can be just as gentle in his own way, and I don't necessarily think that means that he is acting in a "feminine" way. Any thoughts?
I like Sponville's explanation of gentleness being a "feminine virtue." He states, "One might object, however, that virtues have no gender, and it is true they do not. But we do, and it stamps all our gestures and all our feelings, and even extends to our virtues" (184). Gentleness is perceived as being a virtue of women, and it probably is true that women are more likely to express that virtue of gentleness. In our society, we tend to weed out the expressions of gentleness in boys and substitute it with a rougher word, like "brotherhood" or "comraderie," which seems to have the connotation of violence and strength. Sponville goes full circle, saying that males are capable of gentleness, but society make them less gentle. We tend to think of gentleness as a "feminine virtue," and so it mostly applies to females in society. However, as a virtue, I agree with Sponville that the virtue in of itself has no gender. Men are capable of gentleness, but I do think that openly expressing gentleness may be more challenging for some men just because for them, gentleness is linked with females, and firmness is linked with fighting.
Sponville characterizes gentleness as having "courage without violence," strength without harshness," and "love without anger" (186). Part of the reason that gentleness seems feminine is that society usually associates courage with physical courage and strength with violence. However, a gentle person is still forceful and strong, just not to the point of dominance. Gentleness does not seek to attack the peace but to defend the peace. "The point is not so much to punish as it is to prevent" (192). Indeed, Sponville says that gentleness is "a kind of peace," an "inner peace," "devoid of hatred, harshness, or insensitivity" (186). I agree that gentleness as a virtue is an inner peace. I think that gentleness also is a spreader of that peace to other people, to help others have inner peace. Gentleness cannot be coupled with hatred because hate disturbs that peace in the self, and it limits the depth with which people can see others.
I also agree with him wholeheartedly that gentleness cannot be substituted with a lack of force or a complete aversion to war, for "to espouse pacifism is to make of gentleness a system…to deny oneself the possibilty of effectively defending…the very thing one claims as a principle - namely, peace" (191). Gentle people must sustain the virtues that make gentle possible, like love, compassion, justice, and mercy.
“Gentleness is, to begin with, a kind of peace, either real or desired: it is the opposite of war, cruelty, brutality, aggressiveness, violence. An inner peace, the only kind that is a virtue” (186). I think this is the best way to talk about gentleness. Those who are said to have a “gentle sprit,” in my opinion, embody just what C-S described. People who are gentle are kind to everything and are often soft spoken. They try to be kind to everyone and everything. Making sure not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Even when they are trying to express their opinions and make sure they get heard, gentle people are patient and wait their turn to speak and then share their opinion in a plain manner without being aggressive or condescending.
Kaylan made an excellent point when she said, “If gentleness is what brings us to the height of humanity and is a way of expressing our love for one another as members of the human race, it certainly contributes to the overall purity of the human race as well.” I think that Kaylan summed it up wonderfully! In order to be pure as a race, we must strive to be better and love one another. C-S says the only way to do that is by being gentle to everyone. This is by no means an easy task, but we should all try to be as gentle to the rest of humanity as we can to ensure that we are doing our part to make humanity the best that it can be.
Alright shockingly enough I am not a fan of all of the fantastic gender stereotyping that goes on in this chapter. "A man's courage is not that of a woman, nor is his generosity, or his love". I understand the point that is being made here, that women are inherently more gentle more passive and less violent and courageous. However I disagree with this form of stereotyping, "As for violence in women, it is not something that I have encountered". He goes on to explain that the virtues we have or lack is based on our sex "in a way that tends to be either masculine or feminine" C-S states that love begins with the mother and that love therefor is a feminine virtue. Without feminine virtue, C-S believes that the world would fall into a "state of war and ideas."
:(
That said, I think that Gentleness is one of the most interesting virtues that we have seen this far. I love the explanation of gentleness as "natural and spontaneous kindness". This virtue is extremely important. The explanation of war and where gentleness relates in respect to war was fascinating. Gentleness is wherein lies our respect for human life. What could be more important, more morally absolute than this?
After reading Andrea's final paragraph on generosity, compassion and gentleness being interrelated and possibly confusable, I had to stop and think. It is a completely valid point; they are extremely similiar. “Generosity seeks to do good; gentleness refuses to do harm…yet so often our acts of generosity vex, our good deeds intrude, overwhelm, even offend” (186). What I would offer in response to this quote is that perhaps gentleness not only coexists with the other virtues but perhaps is some kind of a filter, or leash if you will, upon them. It is possible, as C-S points out, to generously annoy someone, or be so compassionate as to come off the wrong way and offend. The virtue of Gentleness, I would propose, is what keeps the enacting of the other virtues in check so as to only do good with them, draw the line for apropos action and refuse the ability to do harm to someone else, even if it is accidental.
C-S' describes gentleness as having "courage without violence," strength without harshness," and "love without anger" (186) (note: Michael used this quote earlier, to give credit where its due. I'd just like to add on to it). Immediately, after reading this quote, even throughout the page and really the rest of the chapter, I had Ghandi in mind. I know many other great men have taught similiar practices, but I feel Ghandi, the strong and influential leader that he was, best exemplifies the qualities of gentleness depicted here. What else could his movement be considered if not courage through nonviolence, strength without harshness and love without anger? It is so similiar, I was borderline wondering if C-S actually took Ghandi into account while writing this chapter. Just sayin'.
I think that at times there is lots of overlap in C-S's virtues. I can think of at least three that would tend to overlap with gentleness (love, purity maybe, charity). Sometimes it seems like C-S reaches a little bit with his virtues, and covers virtues that could be lumped in with others.
As far as the feminine side of gentleness goes, I don't know. I guess I'd say that generally, that holds up pretty well. Sorry, Holly, I realize that not all people in a group can be lumped in with the others, but women do seem to be more gentle generally than men. How many wars have woman leaders started? Not many? When wars do start, it usually seems to be at the behest of men. So maybe women are more gentle. It's not a bad thing ladies. Embrace it.
Or maybe...women and men are by nature equally gentle, but in different ways? If a guy gets mad at someone and wants to be ungentle, he...I don't know, beats him to a pulp? I guess I just know gentle guys, because that rarely if ever happens in my experience. Woman are more into verbal character assassination, in my experience. Is that gentle? Not really. It's just a different kind of...whatever the opposite of gentle is. (Mean?) So maybe gentleness isn't a virtue for woman, but for everyone.
I think gentleness is a virtue that applies to both men and women. I think that women are generally thought to be more gentle because they are physically smaller than men, and are typically more feminine and more careful with babies and stuff like that. But I think that it is wrong to genderize virtues. There is no reason why men shouldn't be gentle, in fact, I agree with Karlie that it is a very attractive trait. And I don’t' think that gentleness is something that comes naturally to women. It's just that men and women have different methods of expressing rage and other ungentle feelings. But both genders should make a hearty effort to be more gentle. As Huck Finn said, "Never pass up a chance to take a chicken when you get a chance, because if you don't want him yourself you can easy find somebody that does, and a good deed ain't ever forgot." Gentleness seems to be a variation of charity and compassion. They all preach very similar things. JJ Ruwe
Despite the fact that gentleness, like purity, is a rather abstract virtue, I personally feel that it is the simplest of all. Above all, gentleness is “the refusal to inflict suffering, to destroy unnecessarily, to devastate. It is respect, protection, benevolence” (188). Comte-Sponville also refers to gentleness as “An inner peace, the only kind that is a virtue” (186). What could be simpler than promoting peace and denouncing violence? At its core, this is all to which gentleness amounts. A modest virtue, certainly, but important nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Comte-Sponville’s decision to introduce gentleness as a feminine virtue. On the very first page, he states that, “Only truth is absolutely universal and hence asexual. But truth has no morality, no feelings, no will” (184). This implies that the collection of virtues—and essentially all emotions in general—can be divided in accordance to gender lines. While violence certainly does exist among women, it is far more common in men; Comte-Sponville makes the points that, “nearly all crimes involving bloodshed are committed by men” and that, “only little boys play at war” (185). Men especially can thus stand to gain from gentleness, and it is more noticeable when they display it. The first sentence of the chapter sums this concept up well: “Gentleness is a feminine virtue. That is why it is especially pleasing in men” (184).
The only potential problem I saw with gentleness was its relation to compassion and generosity; some would probably argue that the three are one and the same. Comte-Sponville makes the distinction between the three quite clear, however, and effectively defines gentleness in the process. As it relates to compassion, “Compassion suffers at the suffering of others; gentleness refuses to produce or increase suffering” (186). This might imply that gentleness is a passive rather than an active virtue, but I do not feel that its passivity makes it any less virtuous in nature. In regard to generosity, Comte-Sponville says, “Generosity seeks to do good; gentleness refuses to do harm…yet so often our acts of generosity vex, our good deeds intrude, overwhelm, even offend” (186). Gentleness is thus related to both virtues, but remains distinct. Ultimately, I feel that it is this relationship that makes gentleness essential; it is the virtue that can coexist with all others and further their causes.
Aspiring to work in the field of diplomacy and peacemaking, I place high regard on the virtue of gentleness, and I particularly enjoyed reading Comte-Sponville’s description of it. He begins by discussing the feminine nature of the virtue and then goes on to say that gentleness is applicable to just about every occurrence in life. He says that “gentleness is love in a state of peace” and is “strength in a state of peace, serene and gentle, full of patience and leniency” (186). Thus, gentleness is very much about peace. However, C-S is quick to point out that aspiring to be peaceful is not the same as being a pacifist, a distinction I think is very important. Sometimes violence is justified, as C-S makes clear, just not innocent. In order to prevent greater evil, violence must, in extreme cases be utilized, a fact which I believe even the most peaceful intellectuals will attest to. What is “extreme” is what becomes subject to the politics of humanity.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to utilize gentleness when interacting with one another and determining how to address a situation. Comte-Sponville mentions over and over that gentleness inherently makes us “more human” (188). He also says that humanity has proven that “one can live without charity. But one cannot live without a modicum of gentleness” (189). Thus, C-S attests to the importance of gentleness in our everyday lives, and I must second this importance. He says that it is the gentleness in a “man’s feminine side that almost always rescues him from the worst” (187). In this statement, we are also able to see the high value C-S places on gentleness. It is closely associated with love or charity-pure love. In this way, it really is what makes us inherently human. Gentleness saves us from violence, just as love saves us from hatred, which can easily lead to violence.
Gentleness is an important aspect of humanity, one of the most vital, truest and instinctive parts of our being. Being gentle is many things, as C-S associates it with a myriad of adjectives. Ultimately, however, it is our choice of charity over personal honor – a bridge to and essential part of what love truly is.
"Gentleness is a feminine virtue. That is why it is especially pleasing in men." (184) I love this opening by Comte-Sponville. Isn't it what we were all thinking? I honestly find gentleness in a man to be incredibly attractive. “What is, or seems to be, feminine about it is its courage without violence, its strength without harshness, its love without anger.” (186) Perhaps this is what women find so attractive about gentleness in men. It is respect. It is being courageous and strong without the negative emotions and actions that tend to go along with them.
ReplyDelete“It is the virtue of flexibility, patience, devotion, adaptability.” (188) Gentleness, without a doubt, is a challenge for most. It is hard to be flexible when plans change; it is a challenge to be patient with an impossible person. That is why gentleness is a virtue for both males and females. Though it seems to be a feminine trait, it is something that women must work at as well. Gentleness is a virtue that we must consciously remind ourselves of. It is a struggle against our very nature and emotions.
Gentleness definitely requires change. Gentleness is included as one of the “Fruits of the Spirits” in the Bible. Therefore, gentleness is made possible through Christ living within us. With this in mind, gentleness can definitely be seen as another outpouring of love. If we have the perfect “Agape” love of Christ living within us, gentleness is made easier, though we still must fight our human nature to be impatient and hardheaded. Gentleness, as I see the rest of the virtues, is an expression of love—an outward sign of an inward emotion of Agape for all mankind.
"What is, or seems to be, feminine about it [gentleness] is its courage without violence, its strength without harshness, its love without anger" (186). C-S goes on to discuss how gentleness contains strength, and it, above all other virtues, most resembles love. "Gentleness yields to reality, to life, to becoming, to the imperfections of daily life, for it is the virtue of flexibility, patience, devotion, adaptability" (188). Gentleness is what makes humanity more human. Despite this, though, it is not always easy to emulate gentleness, particularly when it comes to war, war crimes, capital punishment, etc. Yet if we are gentle, we must consider those lives as if they were our own. C-S states that "there is gentleness to limit our violence as much as it can, to the necessary or acceptable minimum" (194).
ReplyDeleteGentleness, as Karlie mentioned, is a challenge for most people, and something to work toward constantly. It is something that comes with practice and is furthered by ourselves being recipients of gentleness. It is a feminine virtue, but one for both males and females to practice.
Comte-Sponville tells us, "Gentleness and purity almost always go together, since violence is the preeminent evil, the preeminent obscenity, since evil harms, and egoism, in its avidicity, tactlessness, and brutality, corrupts everything." I find this particular point very interesting, relating the absence of gentleness with the absence of purity. When we practice brutality without concern for being gentle and humane in our relations with others, we bring about corruption, and therefore obstruct purity. If gentleness is what brings us to the height of humanity and is a way of expressing our love for one another as members of the human race, it certainly contributes to the overall purity of the human race as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I agree with Comte-Sponville's assertion that gentleness is a "feminine virtue," because I don't necessarily see actions along gender lines; however, it does bring to mind the idea of a mother's nurturing instincts, which are nearly always associated with gentleness. However, I feel that a father can be just as gentle in his own way, and I don't necessarily think that means that he is acting in a "feminine" way. Any thoughts?
I like Sponville's explanation of gentleness being a "feminine virtue." He states, "One might object, however, that virtues have no gender, and it is true they do not. But we do, and it stamps all our gestures and all our feelings, and even extends to our virtues" (184). Gentleness is perceived as being a virtue of women, and it probably is true that women are more likely to express that virtue of gentleness. In our society, we tend to weed out the expressions of gentleness in boys and substitute it with a rougher word, like "brotherhood" or "comraderie," which seems to have the connotation of violence and strength. Sponville goes full circle, saying that males are capable of gentleness, but society make them less gentle. We tend to think of gentleness as a "feminine virtue," and so it mostly applies to females in society. However, as a virtue, I agree with Sponville that the virtue in of itself has no gender. Men are capable of gentleness, but I do think that openly expressing gentleness may be more challenging for some men just because for them, gentleness is linked with females, and firmness is linked with fighting.
ReplyDeleteSponville characterizes gentleness as having "courage without violence," strength without harshness," and "love without anger" (186). Part of the reason that gentleness seems feminine is that society usually associates courage with physical courage and strength with violence. However, a gentle person is still forceful and strong, just not to the point of dominance. Gentleness does not seek to attack the peace but to defend the peace. "The point is not so much to punish as it is to prevent" (192). Indeed, Sponville says that gentleness is "a kind of peace," an "inner peace," "devoid of hatred, harshness, or insensitivity" (186). I agree that gentleness as a virtue is an inner peace. I think that gentleness also is a spreader of that peace to other people, to help others have inner peace. Gentleness cannot be coupled with hatred because hate disturbs that peace in the self, and it limits the depth with which people can see others.
I also agree with him wholeheartedly that gentleness cannot be substituted with a lack of force or a complete aversion to war, for "to espouse pacifism is to make of gentleness a system…to deny oneself the possibilty of effectively defending…the very thing one claims as a principle - namely, peace" (191). Gentle people must sustain the virtues that make gentle possible, like love, compassion, justice, and mercy.
“Gentleness is, to begin with, a kind of peace, either real or desired: it is the opposite of war, cruelty, brutality, aggressiveness, violence. An inner peace, the only kind that is a virtue” (186). I think this is the best way to talk about gentleness. Those who are said to have a “gentle sprit,” in my opinion, embody just what C-S described. People who are gentle are kind to everything and are often soft spoken. They try to be kind to everyone and everything. Making sure not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Even when they are trying to express their opinions and make sure they get heard, gentle people are patient and wait their turn to speak and then share their opinion in a plain manner without being aggressive or condescending.
ReplyDeleteKaylan made an excellent point when she said, “If gentleness is what brings us to the height of humanity and is a way of expressing our love for one another as members of the human race, it certainly contributes to the overall purity of the human race as well.” I think that Kaylan summed it up wonderfully! In order to be pure as a race, we must strive to be better and love one another. C-S says the only way to do that is by being gentle to everyone. This is by no means an easy task, but we should all try to be as gentle to the rest of humanity as we can to ensure that we are doing our part to make humanity the best that it can be.
Alright shockingly enough I am not a fan of all of the fantastic gender stereotyping that goes on in this chapter. "A man's courage is not that of a woman, nor is his generosity, or his love". I understand the point that is being made here, that women are inherently more gentle more passive and less violent and courageous. However I disagree with this form of stereotyping, "As for violence in women, it is not something that I have encountered". He goes on to explain that the virtues we have or lack is based on our sex "in a way that tends to be either masculine or feminine" C-S states that love begins with the mother and that love therefor is a feminine virtue. Without feminine virtue, C-S believes that the world would fall into a "state of war and ideas."
ReplyDelete:(
That said, I think that Gentleness is one of the most interesting virtues that we have seen this far. I love the explanation of gentleness as "natural and spontaneous kindness". This virtue is extremely important. The explanation of war and where gentleness relates in respect to war was fascinating. Gentleness is wherein lies our respect for human life. What could be more important, more morally absolute than this?
After reading Andrea's final paragraph on generosity, compassion and gentleness being interrelated and possibly confusable, I had to stop and think. It is a completely valid point; they are extremely similiar. “Generosity seeks to do good; gentleness refuses to do harm…yet so often our acts of generosity vex, our good deeds intrude, overwhelm, even offend” (186). What I would offer in response to this quote is that perhaps gentleness not only coexists with the other virtues but perhaps is some kind of a filter, or leash if you will, upon them. It is possible, as C-S points out, to generously annoy someone, or be so compassionate as to come off the wrong way and offend. The virtue of Gentleness, I would propose, is what keeps the enacting of the other virtues in check so as to only do good with them, draw the line for apropos action and refuse the ability to do harm to someone else, even if it is accidental.
ReplyDeleteC-S' describes gentleness as having "courage without violence," strength without harshness," and "love without anger" (186) (note: Michael used this quote earlier, to give credit where its due. I'd just like to add on to it). Immediately, after reading this quote, even throughout the page and really the rest of the chapter, I had Ghandi in mind. I know many other great men have taught similiar practices, but I feel Ghandi, the strong and influential leader that he was, best exemplifies the qualities of gentleness depicted here. What else could his movement be considered if not courage through nonviolence, strength without harshness and love without anger? It is so similiar, I was borderline wondering if C-S actually took Ghandi into account while writing this chapter. Just sayin'.
- J.notor
I think that at times there is lots of overlap in C-S's virtues. I can think of at least three that would tend to overlap with gentleness (love, purity maybe, charity). Sometimes it seems like C-S reaches a little bit with his virtues, and covers virtues that could be lumped in with others.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the feminine side of gentleness goes, I don't know. I guess I'd say that generally, that holds up pretty well. Sorry, Holly, I realize that not all people in a group can be lumped in with the others, but women do seem to be more gentle generally than men. How many wars have woman leaders started? Not many? When wars do start, it usually seems to be at the behest of men. So maybe women are more gentle. It's not a bad thing ladies. Embrace it.
Or maybe...women and men are by nature equally gentle, but in different ways? If a guy gets mad at someone and wants to be ungentle, he...I don't know, beats him to a pulp? I guess I just know gentle guys, because that rarely if ever happens in my experience. Woman are more into verbal character assassination, in my experience. Is that gentle? Not really. It's just a different kind of...whatever the opposite of gentle is. (Mean?) So maybe gentleness isn't a virtue for woman, but for everyone.
I think gentleness is a virtue that applies to both men and women. I think that women are generally thought to be more gentle because they are physically smaller than men, and are typically more feminine and more careful with babies and stuff like that. But I think that it is wrong to genderize virtues. There is no reason why men shouldn't be gentle, in fact, I agree with Karlie that it is a very attractive trait. And I don’t' think that gentleness is something that comes naturally to women. It's just that men and women have different methods of expressing rage and other ungentle feelings. But both genders should make a hearty effort to be more gentle. As Huck Finn said, "Never pass up a chance to take a chicken when you get a chance, because if you don't want him yourself you can easy find somebody that does, and a good deed ain't ever forgot." Gentleness seems to be a variation of charity and compassion. They all preach very similar things.
ReplyDeleteJJ Ruwe