disposition vs circumstances
Happy Frog and I recently quoted:
The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not our circumstances. Martha Washington
Had I been one of Martha’s collection of slaves, my circumstances would have made a BIG impact on my disposition. I’d be effing miserable rather than just occassionally a tiny bit grumpy. But I could do something about it, I could escape and become free and that would change both my circumstances and disposition.
I suspect that Hippy Frog and I is suggestung that we should not just accept circumstances, we can change them for the better with the force of thought alone… …which can lead to words… …and action…
September 7th, 2010
Hi Wendy, I chose the quote because I have a monthly quote at the moment on happiness. I liked the idea that some people can see the positive and be happy no matter how bad the situation they are in may be. In this case Martha’s quote related to how unhappy she was that her second husband George did not want to live a quiet life with her after the war where she had stayed by his side rather than waiting at home. Instead he wanted to become President and allow public life to intrude on them. However as there was nothing she could do about it she decided to just get on with things and be happy.
I certainly do not condone slavery. I don’t know how the slaves she had inherited from her first husband as well as the slaves that George Washington had brought into the marriage were treated by the couple but I do know that George Washington wanted the slaves to be freed after his and Martha’s death and I think they were. That was more his ideals changing then hers though I feel.
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September 7th, 2010
Given the excitements in the public sector, we are trying very hard to retain a cheery disposition amidst some ‘interesting’ circumstances. Failing miserably.
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September 12th, 2010
Some of us in the public sector are natural born optimists.
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