Equanimity is the gem in virtue's chaplet, and St. Sweetness the loveliest in her calendar

Equanimity is the gem in virtue's chaplet, and St. Sweetness the loveliest in her calendar

Amos Bronson Alcott, a prominent American educator and philosopher, was a firm believer in the importance of equanimity and sweetness in cultivating virtue. He saw these qualities as essential components of a truly virtuous life, and often spoke of them as the gems that adorned the crown of moral excellence.

Equanimity, in Alcott's view, was the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of life's challenges and difficulties. It was the quality of being able to maintain a sense of inner peace and balance, regardless of the external circumstances. Alcott believed that equanimity was a sign of true strength and wisdom, as it allowed individuals to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and dignity.

For Alcott, equanimity was not just a passive acceptance of whatever came one's way, but an active choice to respond to life's challenges with a sense of inner peace and serenity. It was a conscious decision to rise above the chaos and turmoil of the world, and to cultivate a sense of inner harmony that could not be shaken by external events.

Similarly, Alcott saw sweetness as a key component of virtue. He believed that kindness, compassion, and gentleness were essential qualities that all individuals should strive to cultivate. Sweetness, in Alcott's view, was the ability to treat others with love and respect, even in the face of adversity. It was the quality of being able to see the good in others, and to respond to them with warmth and understanding.

Alcott often spoke of sweetness as the loveliest virtue in the moral calendar, as he believed that it had the power to transform relationships and bring people closer together. He saw sweetness as a balm for the soul, a source of comfort and solace in a world that could often be harsh and unforgiving.