In Search of Dignity

[elleng]

Whatever policy differences people may have with him, we can all agree that President Obama exemplifies reticence, dispassion and the other traits associated with dignity. The cultural effects of his presidency are not yet clear, but they may surpass his policy impact. He may revitalize the concept of dignity for a new generation and embody a new set of rules for self-mastery.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/opinion/07brooks.html?th&emc=th

[RandomThoughts]

1. Interesting article.

But I have a different idea of what passion means. Many times passion is only thought of as passion + anger. I see passion as focused intent, intensity and a thought that what one does, no matter how small, should be treated as important. Even if only to get oneself to think on it.

In that I think many calm thoughtful people are very passionate about their causes. Passion is the amplifier not a good or bad in itself.

As far as unruly passions of anger or other items that limit thought I would agree those passions can be bad and destructive, but passions for justice or what is right can also lead to unruly behavior, like the founding fathers had during the revolution.

It is almost like passion is the opposite of apathy, and in that it amplifies a person, and if that person is mostly bad, then the passion may make him worse, but if a person is mostly good, it will make him better. And most people believe in better things.