In times of WikiLeaks releases, truth commission, natural disasters (Cancun?), global economical problems and (again) dwindling hopes of several people around me, dreaming (not only) of a White Christmas but a better future, I do feel inspire to put the cart before the horse.
Maybe at the end of this piece I'll tread the footsteps of other bloggers, columnists or commentators. So be it!
Pride comes before a fall - but never magnanimity, The dictionary defines magnanimity as in greatness of mind and generosity of heart especially in forgiveness. Often times Filipinos are really a magnanimous people having the quality of being high souled, rising above pettiness or meanness and the generosity in overlooking injury or insult.
The late Harry Emerson Fosdick, a famous Protestant teacher wrote: "No man ever saved anybody, or served any great of left any enduring impress, who was not willing to forget indignities, bear no grudges. The world's saviors have all, in one way and another, loved their enemies and done them good!"
Magnanimity, applied to relations between nations and people, transforms hostility into helpfulness. No "West Berlin inhabitant" (and count me in!) will forget the U.S. airlift during the East German-Russian blockade, when the so-called "raisin bomber planes" kept West-Berlin and its people alive.
What quality in human character do you consider the most admirable of all? How about the tolerance toward another's viewpoint without smugness? How about refusal to judge another's action or motives without first knowing what lies behind them?
U.S. writer Clarence W. Hall said before: "Magnanimity must be developed and habitual by practice, but it's a virtue that sweetens and glorifies life."
People with a noble mind and heart are fond of day dreams. Of course, fantasies don't have to be a flight away from reality. In fact, psychologists are discovering since long time, that day dreams can play a creative role in self-development and a better mutual understanding. They are also one of the best things for the well being of a family - and a whole nation.
