There’s an excellent TV show called “Dick Van Dyke.” I grew up with said show, and it was incredible. It was funny, it was family friendly, and most importantly for any kind of media outlet, be it books or videos, it was wholesome and timeless. The husband- Rob- is a comedy writer, back when they had serial comedy shows where everything was one skit after another- think prehistoric SNL. Rob’s wife Laura is a housewife who helps Rob immensely and they both get into all sorts of trouble with their neighbors, Rob’s coworkers, and their individual families. Keep in mind this was back in the day when the couple still slept in separate beds and Laura was that shining figure of womanhood who could be classy in both a dress/skirt, or slacks- which were also a new thing to see on screen.
The reason I mention the show is not to tell you how well done and timeless it was- well, not just that- it’s to share a perspective. During the course of the show, and bear in mind this was a show not long after the advent of the living room TV, Rob has a brilliant idea to bring together a handful of old Radio actors to star on the show and do “Radio on TV.” It was an excellent episode, but it also demonstrated many qualities that so many of us need these days, not the least of which is perseverance. As you can imagine, getting an older radio actor with a bad case of nerves to get on stage would take some perseverance. Rob pulls through and he manages to get Edwin Carp on stage for a thrilling performance.
As I’ve pointed out, I loved Dick Van Dyke, the show and the actor. I’m sure someone could find many things wrong with it now, but it is and was all in good fun and meant to poke fun of everyone. An equal opportunity fun poking show, and poor Melvin Cooley gets the brunt of that with the bald and fat man jokes, which never get old.
One of our founding fathers, John Quincy Adams, said this in regard to perseverance- “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” Perhaps this was his secret to success in becoming America’s 6th president. Still, back then there was more incentive because you were doing it for liberty and the good of the country, and not for the money of which there was very little for politicians and they didn’t get “retirement” when their terms of office were up.
I’m not a very patient person. Oh, I put on a good show and try to force down my impatience because I hate myself when I lose my patience. Where I have it going for me is that I’m stubborn. I think this is one of those “lawful neutral” scenarios. Stubbornness can be a virtue or it can be a fault. It’s a virtue only when you persevere for the right reasons and a fault if not. I think the same could be said for perseverance. Trying to persevere in getting into a chemical plant where you’ll surely get cancer and not the super powers you were hoping for would not be a virtue. On the other hand if you persevere in medical or nursing or engineering school, then yes, that is a virtue.
The interesting thing about perseverance is that it’s not a virtue. A virtue is something inherently good. This is me, by the way, trying to justify my stubbornness and doing a slipshod job of it.
I persevered in nursing school and it was fantastic. I’m persevering in this writing endeavor in which I’m very passionate about. I also pray for the grace to persevere in my religion every day, because nothing else can compare in essentials next to God.
Perseverance is that very loud and obnoxious voice in your head telling you to be brave, to “have courage son,” to go on especially when you’re scared. It will make you stronger by pushing your limits. Oh, it’s going to be tough, and sometimes I wish I didn’t know that by my experience, but by being tough it will also make you tough, but only if you persevere in virtuous things.
It doesn’t make you tough, brave, courageous, or virtuous to be a coward, a thief, a murderer. You’re not a better person today than you were yesterday because you persevered in beating your spouse or child, or persevered in your drug habit when you should have had the humility to go seek help. AA and NA are great programs and can help you, they’re the only ones that can.
Doing the right thing all the time and persevering in it is heroic. I think of that mother who’s child has cholic, and not even her. Think of the mother who just gets up makes her child breakfast, cleans the house, plays with her child, guides that child’s mind, helps them learn all the wonderful things about life and helps them choose a path in life. That’s heroic and tough. Or maybe it’s that dad that perseveres in bidding jobs and working during the week and sometimes the nights and weekends. Maybe he doesn’t have time to play with his children, but they’re fed and healthy and have a roof over their head.
That’s heroic perseverance, and that’s when it’s virtuous. But remember, perseverance isn’t a virtue- selflessness, charity, duty, honor- those are virtues that perseverance springs out of. No matter what you are doing, be mindful of what motives your perseverance comes from so you can appreciate it. If you don’t know, maybe say a few prayers; maybe you should do some soul searching or get in touch with you children and spouse to find out what you’re persevering in your current avenue for. It might make the work easier, lighter, and more satisfying. And, hey, if it didn’t, you’re not out anything, but a little alone time and mental effort. Sounds like a fair trade.