By Qarol Price
This month’s character focus is the virtue of self-discipline, the Johnston County Public Schools topic for August. Self discipline can be regarded as synonymous with self-control, which highlights an often-overlooked aspect: the matter of who or what takes control over one’s actions.
It is important to consider whether this control stems from one’s own ethical standards and sense of purpose, or whether it may originate from external influences. Reflecting on this distinction provides valuable insight into the nature of true self-discipline.
It is unlikely that anyone has explicitly subjected you to hypnosis or threatened you into making choices. However, consider whether advertisements have ever influenced your decisions; for example, after viewing a commercial, you might feel compelled to purchase a newly promoted product.
Such messages often employ persuasive phrases like “Offer ends in 10 minutes! While supplies last!” — demonstrating the subtleties of manipulation in advertising. A notable satirical work by science fiction author Henry Kuttner explores this theme, depicting Satan marketing a television set equipped with a popcorn dispenser, with the cost being the buyer’s soul.
Despite the obvious consequences, characters eagerly acquire the product, highlighting an uncomfortable parallel to real-world consumer behavior.
Don’t get me wrong here: ads do properly inform us about new products, items that will save us money or satisfy genuine needs. And that’s not manipulation. You’re still in control. But if you let yourself be manipulated, tempted, lest you forfeit your place in the lemming herd, you have given the steering wheel to someone else. You are passively heading where they want you to end up.
Self-discipline in that case means “Oh no you don’t! Find yourself another sucker!” But even more insidious is when you let someone else control your emotions, your reactions.
Someone insults you for your appearance, your opinions, whatever, and their cruel words trigger anger, insecurity or grief.
You could either be a victim and suffer emotional pain and perhaps react violently with a swift left hook, or you could be a victor by not allowing others to disrupt your serenity. Controlling how you feel may be difficult at times, but like acquiring any virtue, it takes effort. By changing your perspective or attitude, others won’t be able to hack your emotional responses.
Remember when your parents or teachers used to remind you that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” Not unless you allow them to! So don’t! It is you who controls your reactions, not someone else. To get into the habit of remembering that is self- discipline, and is a great relief, not a burdensome chore.
Don’t hand someone else the remote control. The ball is always in your court, my friend!
Next time: Respect
