Daily Times

Sir: In educational environments it is often said that the pedagogy of effort is fundamental for learning with effectiveness and being successful in one’s academic life and life in general. Various research studies concerning education conclude that the “wanting to study” is more important than intelligence when it comes to academic performance. Payot asserts that genius is, above all, a long process of patience: scientific and literary works that honour human talent the most are not at all due to the superiority of intelligence, like it is generally believed, but instead to the superiority of a willpower that is admirably owner of itself. Campaigns against drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity, tobacco and violence are promoted from different sectors of society. In all of these campaigns, the youth is taught to say “NO” to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc., but for this to happen it is necessary for these young people to have a strong willpower. This is why it is crucial to educate one’s willpower, which in other words means to educate one’s self. However, what is willpower? It could be said that it is the soul’s potential that moves someone to do or not to do something. Willpower moves one to do or to achieve the ideals of the youth as well as the objectives that we propose to ourselves in order to improve society and become a well educated individual. Willpower also moves us to not fall for or look for drugs, tobacco, and many other vices that jeopardize human beings. We must especially reject the tendency of only doing that which we fancy and like as well as what our body asks us for. Our willpower is shaped by not giving in to these little things: i.e. doing at every moment what must be done even if it is difficult to do so. “Do what you must, and be in what you do,” as our grandparents used to tell us.

Personal struggles that move forward through small but constant efforts are at the base of educating willpower. Willpower is not accomplished by carrying out a heroic act at a given moment, but by achieving small wins with consistency one day after another without giving up. That is how holistic and integral individuals are educated; those who overcome fatigue, frustration, unwillingness, and the thousands of difficulties that life brings about. A strong willpower is essential for success in life and it is one of the best decorations of one’s own personality.

ARTURO RAMO

Coordinator

Independent Forum of Opinion

Teruel,

Spain