I believe it was the Roman Poet, Horace, who theorized about the effects of adversity on the human character. The statement was – “Adversity is the true test of character.” It is nothing novel that he wrote on, but at least he created a framework to think about how humans behave when circumstances or situations become difficult for living. This is also something that resonates with each human, so this conversation isn’t tangential to relationship dynamics either. It is in adversity that you find elements of your personality enhanced or advanced.

Abraham Lincoln, a man of great thought and respect, lanky and full of swagger, swanked his way from Horace by upping the ante for the human character. Lincoln’s theory on power as a better test of human character arises from his words – “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” His assertion, though not finite, is faultless. Power, in its various forms and expression of human capacity, underlies the true revelation of the self.

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