Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to

"Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances." These words, spoken by Thomas Jefferson, speak to a timeless and profound truth: self-control is a powerful force that can shape the destiny of individuals. To remain cool and unruffled—even in the face of the greatest trials—is not simply a virtue, but a form of strength that gives one an advantage in life. In a world where the storms of life seem to rage around us, where emotions and passions often cloud judgment and impair decision-making, Jefferson’s words remind us that true power lies in calmness, equanimity, and the ability to remain centered amidst chaos.

The ancients understood the power of self-mastery in shaping one's character. The Stoics, led by thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, taught that the ability to control one’s emotions was the highest form of wisdom. Epictetus famously said, "We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them." The Stoics believed that calmness in the face of hardship was not just a virtue—it was the key to leading a life of righteousness and peace. It is not the external events that shape us, but how we react to them. To remain cool and unruffled is to remain free from the tyranny of external circumstances, for in controlling one’s emotions, one gains the freedom to act with wisdom and clarity.

Consider the life of Alexander the Great, whose rise to power was marked by constant war and turbulence. His military genius was not only in his strategy, but in his ability to remain calm under pressure. On one occasion, when his forces were caught in a fierce battle, Alexander’s soldiers, who had just crossed the Indus River, were exhausted and in disarray. Yet, Alexander, with unshakable calm, rallied his men, displaying remarkable composure even in the heat of battle. His ability to remain cool and unruffled gave him an advantage over his enemies, who were often undone by fear, rage, or desperation. Alexander’s self-control allowed him to lead his army with clarity, and in doing so, he expanded his empire far beyond the expectations of any man.

The example of Abraham Lincoln, who led the United States through its most turbulent and divisive period—the Civil War—also illustrates the immense advantage gained through remaining calm and unruffled. Lincoln faced immense pressures from all sides, from his generals, from the public, and from his own inner circle. Yet, despite the overwhelming challenges, he consistently remained composed, choosing his words carefully, weighing every decision with a clear mind. In one of the most crucial moments of his presidency, when the country was deeply divided and the weight of war seemed unbearable, Lincoln’s steady presence of mind and calm leadership helped guide the nation through its darkest days. He did not let emotions or passion cloud his judgment; instead, he exercised patience and diligence, making choices that ultimately brought an end to the war and preserved the Union.

Jefferson’s quote, too, echoes the teachings of the great warriors and philosophers of the past. To be unruffled under all circumstances does not mean to be apathetic or indifferent. It is the ability to face the storms of life with a sense of equilibrium, to approach adversity with clarity and wisdom. Coolness in this sense is not a passive retreat from the world, but an active stance—a way of engaging with life in its fullness, while maintaining inner composure. Whether in the heat of battle, the challenges of leadership, or the trials of everyday life, the one who remains calm has the advantage, for they are able to make decisions from a place of strength, not from the turbulence of fear or anger.

In our own lives, we often face moments of crisis, whether personal or professional, when it feels as though the world is falling apart. The lesson of Jefferson and the ancient philosophers is clear: calmness is the key to overcoming adversity. When emotion threatens to overwhelm us—when anger, frustration, or fear seem to rise within—pause and take a breath. In those moments of turbulence, ask yourself: How would a wise leader respond? How would a calm, strong individual move forward? In the face of a challenge, let us meet it with clarity, not clouded by the storms of emotion. Let us be like the wise sages and heroic figures of the past, who mastered their emotions and, in doing so, gained an advantage over the chaos around them.

The lesson, dear listener, is this: when life presents its challenges, remain cool and unruffled. This is the true power—self-mastery and the ability to think and act with clarity. By mastering ourselves, we master our circumstances, gaining an advantage over those who are led astray by the whims of emotion. Remember that the storms of life may rage, but in your own center, you hold the power to act with wisdom, to make choices that bring peace and purpose.