Chapter 18
Don't Count Your Blessings Too Early
THAT MEN ARE NOT TO JUDGE OF OUR HAPPINESS TILL AFTER DEATH. [Charron has borrowed with unusual liberality from this and the succeeding chapter. See Nodier, Questions, p. 206.] “Scilicet ultima semper Exspectanda dies homini est; dicique beatus Ante obitum nemo supremaque funera debet.” [“We should all look forward to our last day: no one can be called happy till he is dead and buried.”—Ovid, Met, iii. 135] The very children know the story of King Croesus to this purpose, who being taken prisoner by Cyrus, and by him condemned to die, as he was going to execution cried out,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
The Pressure Test Audit
Think of three people in your life who hold some power over your well-being - a boss, family member, or friend. For each person, write down how they act during normal times versus how they behave when facing stress, deadlines, or conflict. Look for patterns in their behaviour under pressure.
Consider:
- •Focus on actual behaviours you've witnessed, not assumptions
- •Consider both small pressures (busy day, minor conflict) and larger ones (job stress, family crisis)
- •Notice if their values stay consistent or shift when stakes get higher
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you discovered someone's true character under pressure. How did this change your relationship with them, and what did it teach you about evaluating people?
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