The robb’d that smiles steals something from the thief; He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.”
— William Shakespeare (Othello)
I’ve always loved this line.
It suggests that a victim who can maintain composure after being robbed (or harmed in any way) gains something by not being consumed by despair.
Conversely, dwelling on the loss is ultimately self-destructive.
In the words of that famous British slogan from World War II:
Keep calm and carry on.
The former is admittedly difficult but doable:
Maintain your composure.
Smile in the face of adversity.
Thumb your nose at life’s misfortunes.
Move forward with aplomb.
Excellent advice that isn’t always possible.
Also, when you’re the kind of person who frequently adopts this position, as I try to do, people around you will often become annoyed, frustrated, and even angry at your sunny-side disposition.
I have been yelled at and insulted — behind my back and to my face — for maintaining a positive attitude in less-than-ideal times.
Still, it’s a great way to be if you can manage.
But the latter is much easier and more essential:
Don’t waste time perseverating or ruminating.
Stop complaining.
Don’t waste time circling the drain.
This is a far more doable and manageable response to disappointment and tragedy, and when you manage to do so, people will appreciate and admire you. Maybe even find you inspiring.
Few people will fault you if you’re unable to smile in the face of adversity.
But many people will quickly tire of you if you endlessly wallow in despair.
At least according to Shakespeare.
