by Angela Mccoy

Created on: September 08, 2008

Education is merely the repetition and retaining of other persons' in depth, self-reflected, philosophical perceptions. Intelligence, however, is not only the contemplation and absorption of the intrinsic, fundamental stances presented, but also the dedication oneself to pursuing one's own critical analysis, speculating every idea in the presence of these other views, and applying one's own culturally-, ethically-, and morally-defined principles to creating an indigenous interpretation. If intellect-seeking apprentices would first concentrate on knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, they would become more inclined to critically appraise and, therefore, learn the lessons placed before them.

There would be no strength without it first, being a weakness. We are all born into this world, each with only one God-given intellectual strength and that is the capacity to learn. As we journey throughout our lives, our perceptions are continually being redefined, inspired by the acquisition of contemporary knowledge, establishing new relationships, and venturing experiences unrenowned, conforming to our own newfound paradigms as a result.
In this society ruled by the majority, it is an inevitable task to define one's own strengths and weakness, and still meet up with the majoritys view. Our strengths and weaknesses should be a subjective inward reflection, although society almost always cast the deciding vote. In order to have a thorough understanding of your own inner self, society has to be mindfully dismissed.

Those individuals who pride themselves by how they are reflected by society and who thrive only on their strengths are only depriving themselves of discovering yet another strength by recognizing and striving to improve upon their weaknesses. Admitting weakness is not a sign of defeat, but rather a prelude to the structuring of a new strength.

I believe a person's strength is a fragrant bouquet of well-nourished blooms that have been compassionately nurtured and assiduously cultivated from a once neglected garden of weakness. Some are merely a seed planted in the fertile soil and still need dedicated care and reinforcement to allow for its growth.

The following paragraphs are my own interpretations of personal inner strengths and weaknesses, after careful intrinsic meditation and reflection, and in the absence of environmental considerations in an effort to gain a thorough portrayal of who I am. Some strengths are well established, while others are still immature.

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