Human Qualities

When people talk about human qualities, what are the best or the worst qualities coming across your mind? Is it patience or impatience? Is it ambition or laziness? Or, is it the tolerance or lack of tolerance for differences in people? Can you decide which one is your best or worst quality? I have to tell you that it took me a whole day to think it over; eventually, I see that being determined is my best quality and impatience is my worst quality.

Determination has been my best quality throughout my years of college studies and the military. For the college students in China, passing a national English Level IV test is a requirement for an undergraduate degree, and passing the Level VI test is a requirement for graduate school. I took the level VI in my sophomore year, and I failed, Trying again my junior year, I failed. Finally, in my senior year, I passed it. I was happy that I didn't give up. During army basic training, I went through with broken ribs. Some of the people I trained with said I was tough and determined.

But, impatience is my worst quality. I couldn't wait for the traffic light to turn green; I couldn't wait in line at the DMV; I couldn't wait for the cashier's shift changing. I want things to happen according to my watch. I want it to happen, and I want it to happen now. I don't know whether I am being self-centered or if I need to realize there are things out of my control.

In the end, I believe Aristotle's golden triangle of what is true, good and beautiful. When we grasp what is true and good, we elevate our lives to become beautiful. Therefore, I want to commit myself to live by there challenging three words.