PRSPCTV - Series II

November 02, 2020

Peace everyone! Welcome to our PRSPCTV Blog Series Part II! This is Cesar; owner & founder of Elevated Thoughts. For those unaware, PRSPCTV (short for perspective) is a blog series I created that breaks down insightful, philosophical quotes; mainly from Stoic philosophers. I do this in order for everyone to learn how to think critically; not just to understand what these quotes mean, but to help gain knowledge of self. By breaking these quotes down from my perspective, I hope you can apply the knowledge to your lives to help you become better selves, which in turn can help create a better society. I won't get too far into what PRSPCTV is about; if you're new to the blog be sure to check out the Introduction To PRSPCTV blog. With no further delay, let's get into this quote, break it down and uplift our state of minds 🧠

Quote

"Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body". - Pythagoras

To be strong of soul than strong of body. What the hell does that mean? Why should we be strong of soul rather than strong of body? Let's delve deep into this quote from our perspective.

The Breakdown - Part I

"Choose to be strong of soul"

Let's begin with the very definition of soul. According to Mirriam-Webster, soul is defined as: the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life. Another definition is: the spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all rational and spiritual beings, or the universe. I'm sure we all know what a soul is; it's in all of us! It's what gives us life! But to break down what a strong soul is and why I agree that you should choose to be strong of soul rather than strong of body; breaking it down to the very definition is much easier to explain it all.

So, strong of soul - what does it mean? I believe one way of having a strong soul is having resilience. Taking the hits of life and still being able to get back up, brush the shit off and keep it pushing. We all go through rough times where we feel defeated and feel like giving up. But resilience is the ability to move forward, even in the face of adversity. From my personal observation, my strong soul won't allow me to give up. There's nothing that can ever stop me from achieving my goals (except death, of course).

Having a strong soul, from my perspective, also means being open to change. Having the ability to adapt to situations quickly makes all the difference because you can go through unplanned events without unnecessary stress and anxiety that usually comes with it. Other criteria for having a strong soul is taking responsibility for your actions, learning to be grateful for life, being your self, and so on.

A strong soul, to sum it up, means having knowledge of self. To truly know who you are, why you are that way, and being attentive to everything you do; both consciously and subconsciously. Analyzing what you do, what happens to you; anything that happens because everything in life is interconnected whether you believe it or not.

The Breakdown - Part II

"Rather than strong of body"

Strong of body basically means being physically strong. This isn't to bash being physically strong; there are countless benefits to exercising, we strongly encourage exercising regularly! But it's mainly to highlight the importance of choosing to be strong of soul than strong of body. People that have chosen to be strong of body instead of strong of soul don't possess emotional intelligence. They don't know who they really are. What happens when they go through challenges where they have to self-reflect or endure an emotionally challenging event or situation? They're unable to control their emotions.

The Takeaway

So, why is it better to be strong of soul than strong of body? There are many, many reasons why. But, to break it down as simply as possible, is because of life. When life brings you obstacles and challenges, being strong of body will not allow you to overcome the shit you have to face on a daily basis. Being strong of body will only allow you to overcome physical challenges. But the obstacles of life? Being strong of soul is a must to overcome them. Being strong of soul gives you the persistence, endurance, strength, and patience you need to become strong of body; but more importantly, become strong as a whole. Possessing mental strength, spiritual strength, and physical strength.

How do you become strong of soul?

Read books and articles online; expand your state of mind and never stop growing. Learn to meditate. Build self-awareness. Practice empathy. Be grateful. Become emotionally intelligent. Learn to take constructive criticism. Welcome obstacles and challenges. Life is too short to focus on the bullshit. Most importantly? Love yourself. Accept who you are. Don't like something about yourself? Change it. If you can't change it, learn to embrace it. But all in all, you are the one and only variable in your own life that can create these changes; it's all on you.

Become in tune with your SELF. Self is defined as "a person's essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or reflexive action." Never stop growing,

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed the blog; be sure to tune in next month for another quote breakdown! Drop a comment below, share the blog, let me know what you think! Until next time, peace ✌🏼