Fortitude

Fortitude is the habit of overcoming difficulties. Its exercise covers three great fields:

• tackling surmountable difficulties,
• enduring insuperable ones with patience,
• remaining steadfast as long as the effort lasts (constancy).

It is a very necessary virtue because doing good requires frequent efforts. Only one who demands of himself manages to advance. Everyone acknowledges this. Every thing has its price, and effort is part of what must be paid. Both the acquisition of qualities and the achievement of professional success are preceded by battles not always easy.

The need for fortitude is evident and needs no great argument, though this explanation can be given: When original sin was committed, an inclination toward evil was introduced into man, which was united to the natural tendency toward good, creating a tension between the two. Since then, whoever wishes to act rightly must overcome himself, must conquer the inclination toward evil that he has within.

Yes. But this does not prevent it from remaining an ideal. If one values something as a worthwhile goal, it does not cease to be wonderful because it costs something. If one focuses too much on the difficulties, one misses the treasure.

Yes. There are situations that our imagination presents as great problems but in reality are not so. The causes of exaggerating difficulties usually stem from comfort, weakness, pessimism, viewing it as obligatory, etc. In these cases, the situation is imagined as darker and the solutions heavier than they actually are.

Several ideas can help:

• Demanding small sacrifices of oneself is essential to strengthen the will. And the field in which to practice is very broad.
• There is a magic word that resolves many difficulties. It is enough to say to oneself energetically: Make an effort!
• Reject fear of the unknown. Face the difficulties and see whether they are really so costly, for often imagination exaggerates them.
• Fight in one's own favor, not against oneself. Avoid situations where defeat is easier.
• Defeat is never certain. Never give up. There are always valid solutions, even if they are costly.
• Seek help from heaven and from earth. Making effort with companions is more bearable. For example, frequenting the sacraments is a treasure for Christians, because they strengthen from within whoever receives them.