Vicissitudes
Etymology
Middle French, from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim in turn, from vicis change, alternation
- Date: circa 1576
Definitions
- b : natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs
- 2 a : a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <the vicissitudes of daily life>
- b : a difficulty or hardship attendant on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control
- c : alternating change
Quote
Happy the man who can endure the highest and the lowest fortune. He, who has endured such vicissitudes with equanimity, has deprived misfortune of its power - Seneca
The spirit filled mortal calmly watches as earthly things crumble, secure in the knowledge that Father has something greater in store. To some, it may seem that the spirit filled person is oddly detached, and this can be interpreted as being out of touch or cold, but instead, she empathizes with the suffering of others even while gradually letting go of her earthly suffering as it is not required any more. Also, the spirit filled mortal is untouched by worldly success for she knows success and failure are both obstacles to be dealt with and surmounted. - Ham
