How does longing shape moral perseverance in the face of futility? Longing is an emotion that often accompanies deep desires, which can be either unfulfilled or fulfilled. When faced with moral dilemmas, individuals may feel a sense of despair or hopelessness due to their inability to act upon their desires.
This experience can also lead them to develop greater resilience and strength of character through perseverance and determination. The power of longing has been studied extensively across various disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, and literature, revealing its impact on individual identity and behavior. In this article, I will explore how longing shapes moral perseverance in the face of futility, drawing insights from these fields of study.
The psychological concept of 'longing' refers to a strong desire for something that may never be attained. It is a form of yearning that goes beyond simple wants or needs, as it carries with it a sense of loss and pain. According to psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, longing is a core component of human development, as it helps individuals navigate the gap between reality and fantasy. He believed that longing motivates us to strive towards our goals despite obstacles and failures, giving meaning to our lives by providing direction and purpose. This view is supported by research on attachment theory, which shows that infants who experience secure attachments with caregivers tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and well-being, even when faced with challenges.
In philosophical thought, the role of longing in shaping moral perseverance has been explored by existentialist thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. Both argued that despair is an essential aspect of existence, as humans are confronted with a world of meaninglessness and absurdity.
They also emphasized the importance of finding meaning through personal growth and action, which can arise from within oneself rather than external circumstances.
Nietzsche wrote: "What does not kill me makes me stronger." This idea suggests that experiencing difficulty and failure can lead to greater strength and resilience if one chooses to use them as opportunities for learning and transformation.
In literature, the theme of longing is often used to explore the tension between desire and reality, highlighting the complexity of human emotions. In Virginia Woolf's novel 'Mrs Dalloway', Clarissa experiences a profound sense of emptiness after her husband's death, but finds fulfillment through her relationships with others and connection to nature. Similarly, in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 'Love in the Time of Cholera', Florentino Ariza spends his life pining for Fermina Daza until she returns to him years later, demonstrating how love endures despite time and adversity. These works suggest that longing can have a transformative effect on individuals, leading them to redefine their values and priorities in the face of difficult situations.
This article has examined how longing shapes moral perseverance in the face of futility by drawing insights from psychology, philosophy, and literature. Longing can be both painful and empowering, motivating individuals to strive towards their goals even when faced with obstacles or disappointments. By embracing our desires and using them as sources of inspiration, we can cultivate greater resilience and personal growth, ultimately shaping ourselves into more fulfilled and meaningful beings.
How does longing shape moral perseverance in the face of futility?
Longing is an emotion that can shape one's persistence in difficult situations by increasing motivation and determination. It involves a desire for something absent from reality and arises out of the consciousness of its absence. Moral perseverance, on the other hand, refers to the ability to continue with ethical behavior even when faced with challenges or obstacles.