A word that doesn’t easily roll off the tongue except if you happen to speak the Bosnian language of Meša Selimović. (It’s pronounced ‘malo-dush-nost)
It translates on several levels – faint-heartedness is perhaps the commonest variation in the world of today – moral cowardice is another stronger phrase; spinelessness would be a 21st century equivalent. Pusillanimity - a meanness of spirit - is probably the strongest of all, in that the individual possessing such a quality would be, today, a totally disinterested bastard.
There are times when we all suffer from faint-heartedness in the face of unknown dangers or events that are totally outside our control. It’s a normal human trait to fear the dangerous unknown. Spinelessness (as moral weakness) is another story and a similarly human trait as it is comparatively ‘easy’ to give in to temptation when it crosses our path.
But meanness of spirit (at heart totally disinterested) is not as rare as one would first think. Anyone who is unemotional may well belong to this group. Emotions make us (and show others) what we are; if we are unable to show emotion what picture does that give to others around us? A cold-hearted, unfeeling, selfish, ‘outlier’ and not one of the ‘mainstream’ human race, perhaps? It also conjures up visions of being untrustworthy, difficult to know and understand, a loner who prefers his own company to that of others. In brief, one not to be trusted.
I know there are times when I suffer from faint-heartedness; moral weaknesses I believe I overcame some long while ago when I realised that giving into temptation brings short-term rewards but long-term hazards. I find it impossible to be disinterested (many would argue that I am often too ‘engaged’ but that’s me) and my feelings are simple enough to see on my face and in my words.
I know “me” very well – how well do you know “you”?
Until next time (with great interest),
Peripatetic Scribe
* Death And The Dervish
Super again P.S. This comment comes from me plus 6 other teachers and about 75 kids. They now understand how to express themselves and are delighted that someone understands and listens. KEEP WRITING as they need encouragement from wherever they can find it. This one is great and I shall try to get the book via USA. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - I am delighted with your comment. The more (young) people can realise that they DO have a voice and that what they say is relevant the happier I am. You may be lucky with the book as I know it was published in USA. And yes, I shall continue to write as long as the fingers obey the brain cell!!!
ReplyDeleteBriliant again! And mentioning a great literary masterpiece! I don't know why Dante's inferno came to my mind as I was reading this. I suddenly remmbered a group of people he called "ignavi", referring to lazy totally disinterested individuals and placing them in his Inferno. Not really in Inferno, he thought they did not really deserve Inferno, so they had to remain in the entrance. He said they were never trully alive and he depicted their punishment in horrendously vivid images. Correct me if I'm wrong, I haven't read Dante for a long time, but there are so many similar individuals nowadays. Perhaps we should all read Dante again!
ReplyDeleteLucana
Lucana - thanks for reminding me. I haven't read Dante for a long time but what you say rings bells. Your point about there being so many such people around is a sad reflection on how the majority live their lives today. Sad to say but the vast majority who should read classics have neither the brain nor the interest and as a result there is a constant "dumbing down" of civilisation!
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