Is strong conviction a virtue?
@Pushhyarag2000 (1416)
India
October 6, 2011 1:44pm CST
Conviction is a firm belief in some thought, point of view or even an age old belief itself. Conviction itself denotes that one's opinion about an issue is strong. When I say string conviction, what I'm prompting is whether such a conviction is held by you in spite of other majority view. Do you not get or unnerved or think its unnerving if you are pressing ahead with your belief with fewer people on your side? Is it wise?
I personally think that [that whether it is wise] should not be a question bothering you much. In fact my belief is that we have to have courage of conviction in our prime endeavors like workplace, business or even social life.
What are the deterrents for conviction lacking or not opinion not being strong enough? Incomplete understanding or lack of application.
There is another dimension to the issue. Most of us do not wish to displease our masters or feel shaky before bosses when confronted. That again is an outcome of crisis of confidence. If we have endured it, prepared ourselves with dedication & application and not lacking in confidence we should have a strong courage of conviction. Do not yield to bosses' ego just to please him for favorable treatment. That's melting oneself away from the the heat & hum of life. Do not even do that for pleasing any one, except when its for common good.
Live life with a strong courage of conviction.
What do you think?
2 responses
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
6 Oct 11
I think it depends on the nature of the conviction. I hope I have the courage of my convictions with respect to my Christian faith. I can be very diplomatic, tactful, flexible with others, not dogmatic or domineering; but I'll never compromise in terms of my faith; I believe what I believe and have no intention of changing. In this case I believe conviction is a wholly positive thing; but not a virtue in itself. In fact, I'd say in general, conviction is neutral. But it can serve other qualities well.
@Pushhyarag2000 (1416)
• India
7 Oct 11
As @stowyk says, conviction has a strong connotation about it. So, when we refuse to give up a certain belief or concede a point merely to please someone or for the sake of majority, we are displaying courage & strength of character to hold on to what we think is right. Other than that, your viewpoint is right in place, and thanks for posting.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
7 Oct 11
I agree, Stowyk, thank you.
My pleasure, Pushhyarag2000, I agree, conviction shows courage and character.
@megamatt (14290)
• United States
7 Oct 11
I would say it is, but only to an extent. There are times where some people try and bully others, using their strong convictions as a mask, which is really not the best thing in the world. So I think that strong convictions are something that are really good on a case for case basis. There are many times where they can in fact steer you very right and other times where they can steer you very wrong.
In the end, there comes a time where you have to stand up to what you believe in. Of course, there are many times where its not politically wise to do so, as you are going to get smacked down rather quickly to say the very least. If you believe strongly enough, then obviously you should try and lead by something. Sadly it does burn many people.
@Pushhyarag2000 (1416)
• India
18 Jan 12
megamatt: my apologies-on two counts: for not acknowledging and secondly for doing so after 4 months. I really missed responding to a well analyzed and apt comment. I am making amends now!
