Dear Nikko,
Quote:
The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character. --Albert Schweitzer
"A strong wind may destroy a sturdy tree; but the willow bends and the wind passes through."
– Gichin Funakoshi (whoever she/he is)
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For every reassuring saying there is another that says just the opposite. I was not thinking particularly of the "oak" aphorism that you posted but of adages in general. Personally, I was raised to be an oak, but envy the folks who were aware from their first thought that we must incorporate "willowness" in our natures if we are to be happy.