What Exactly Is Strength?

Almost everyone you ask will agree that strength is a good thing.

But what exactly do we mean by "strength" in the first place? Are we talking about physical strength that allows us run faster, jump higher, hit harder and lift larger loads or are we discussing mental strength that helps us to discover cures for deadly diseases and better understand the scientific principals of the universe?

Despite all the benefits to humanity from a powerful intellect, most people probably think of strength as a physical concept. Mental strength is, after all, harder to see since it doesn't visually manifest itself in the form of a muscular body or the ability to bench press 500 pounds. Yet, through the strength of our minds, human beings have improved just about every aspect of our existence from increasing our lifespan to solar energy that may one day replace our dwindling reserves of fossil fuels.

The attempt to understand human strength is not a new endeavor. Philosophers have written countless volumes about physical and mental strength and engaged in heated debates over the conflict between the power of the body and the power of the mind. Perhaps we can come to a better understanding of the subject by examining several quotes about strength, and then, through the inspiration of new ideas, we may become stronger in every way.

1. "On every front there are clear answers out there that can make this country stronger, but we're going to break through the fear and the frustration people are feeling. Our job is to make sure that even as we make progress, that we are also giving people a sense of hope and vision for the future."
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States, the first African American to hold the office.

2. "Strength of character means the ability to overcome resentment against others, to hide hurt feelings, and to forgive quickly."
Father Lawrence Lovasik was an ordained missionary priest of the Society of the Divine Word. In 1954, Father Lovasik founded the Sisters of the Divine Spirit, a missionary congregation of women. In 1967, he founded the Family Service Corps, a secular institute devoted to charitable work for the sick, elderly and needy.

3. "There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time as come."
Victor Marie Hugo was a poet, novelist, artist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is one of the greatest and most profound writers in the history of French literature.

4. "Why should we think upon things that are lovely? Because thinking determines life. It is a common habit to blame life upon the environment. Environment modifies life but does not govern life. The soul is stronger than its surroundings."
William James was an American philosopher and psychologist who was also trained as a physician. The first educator to offer a psychology course in the United States, James was one of the leading thinkers of the late nineteenth century and is believed by many to be one of the most influential philosophers the United States has ever produced, while others have labelled him the "Father of American psychology."

5. "There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women."
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a lawyer, politician, and the founder of Pakistan. Jinnah served as leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan's independence on 14 August 1947, and as Pakistan's first Governor-General from independence until his death in 1948.

I love life and tend to take it as it comes. When I need to get motivated I read quotes and watch funny movies. I write about motivational and inspirational stuff a lot as it keeps in better spirits. I hope you enjoyed my writing.