the strength of self-control, The Mechanics of Virtue, aphorism 290

290

One might turn the other cheek to dodge an undignified battle.  Whether intended or not, such an avoidance often has a devastating effect on the assailant: to the very degree that one tolerates the assault without retaliation one also demonstrates the degree to which the other lacks sufficient rank to merit one's response.  If one remains indifferent, the stronger his assault the greater his humiliation.  The other fails to produce the desired response.  


Where one can demonstrate the strength of self-control, one also demonstrates a standard whereby the inability to restrain aggression belongs to a lower rank.

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