Connection to Ancient Rome

The other day in Latin class, we were having a discussion about Ancient Roman politicians. The conversation was going pretty well until I answered the question of whether or not it was worth it to become a politician at the time. Many people said no because there was a large risk of being killed because of your beliefs. That is understandable. However, I said that I respect people more when they stand by their beliefs. I also said that these same people (Ancient Roman politicians) were seen as martyrs in my eyes. Not all of them of course, but some. This brought on a long pause and some quizzical looks. I believe in standing by what you believe in. As cliché as it sounds, it is true. Being a teenager, or just human, today means there is much pressure of conform and become what you are not. The connection to Ancient Rome is simple. Although bloody wars are not fought for not agreeing with society, people die. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. Stand with what you believe in and stay your true, authentic self. 

Praise

Trahimur omnēs studiō laudis. We are all attracted by the desire for praise. It is true. The main reason we do most things is because we want someone to tell us how great we are. It is nothing to be ashamed of since it is human nature and it starts as a small child. At the same time, it is a plague. We have stopped doing things because we want to. It has turned into doing things based on how much praise will be received. Praise makes people feel good, but it can also turn modesty into arrogance. Praise is the reason why we seek to impress people. In the end, there is no point in all of this 'praise seeking'. People tend to love people who are themselves over people who are someone else looking for praise. Sometimes self-praise is all you need.

It's Getting Hot in Here

I am not sure if I was born in the wrong time period and generation, or I strictly follow my "Modesty is the best policy" rule. It seems that as the days go by, the clothes get shorter and tighter. It gets hot. Everyone knows that, but there are different ways to dress for the weather. I'm not saying everyone should walk around in turtlenecks and moon-boots, but close to nothing is not better. Some people feel comfortable with walking around half naked and some do not. Some people enjoy dressing for other people. At the same time, if you walk around with most of your skin showing, be ready for stares-- both degrading and negative. As for school and work, there is a dress code for a reason. At my school, it is sometimes hotter on the inside, but that does not mean the dress code goes out the window. So many girls come to school with the tiniest shorts and expect that to be okay. When they are sent to get a change of clothes, an argument begins. I feel that this issue is facing us today because sex drives the society-- not thoughts, ideas, and minds.

Self

Sometimes what is best for you will not be best for everyone. It's a tiring job to fit your life around everyone else. There are going to be several times where you just have to go with what you want. Coming from experience, that is easier said than done. This is not saying discard everyone else and go by what you want, but it is okay to put yourself first at times. Self care is important and is something that should not be forgotten. As long as you do not destroy people and things, do what makes you happy. If other people do not agree, then they can choose not to do that in their life.

Lows and Highs

The greatest efforts may seem small in the eyes of the overseers. They sometimes do not see how hard someone works, or how much work is put in. The most important thing to keep in mind is how you see your accomplishments. For example, some people see certain jobs as being too "low" for them. For the person next to them, that job could be their ultimate goal, for which he or she works hard to achieve. Just because your low is too low for you, does not mean that the same low is not someone else's high. That being said, when you judge people--because we all do-- understand that where they are may not be as bad as you think it is. One person cannot dictate what is deemed good enough for the world. Tolerate and move on. Sneering and snickering at others while you sit in the same spot, will get you no where. Take pride in what you do so you will not have the capacity to compare yourself to others.

Deserving vs. Earning

People think that they always deserve something. There are the constitutional rights that are automatically given, but that is as far as it goes. When we reach a certain age, things that are wanted and needed are not given--they are earned. When we deserve something, it is because we have worked to earn it. If no work is put in, how do you expect to get anything out? So, to all of the princes and princesses of the 21st century, there will come a day where you will not get the world handed to you. Understand that there are people who work hard and still do not have what they need. The things that you have will feel more special when you work for them.

Who You Really Are

Actions speak louder than words, especially when those words were never said.

People are quick to judge a person on what they say they believe. The truth is that who you are is not determined by what you say or believe, but by your actions. Many things are easier said than done, but when it is done growth happens. One important lesson I've learned over the past week is to not judge people by what they say. People say the wrong things all of the time. That being said, do not base your feeling towards a person only on what they say. When you observe a person and what he or she does, you can see a better view of who that person is. Take time out of talking and do more than listen. Observe people. Take everything in. You would be surprised by what you learn.