While I am in this world, I am resolved that no vexation shall

In the tapestry of life, there are countless trials that test the strength of the human spirit. Vexation—the irritation and frustration we face daily—can often consume us, pulling us into a storm of anger and impatience. Yet, Samuel Adams, in his profound wisdom, speaks to the power of self-control with the words: "While I am in this world, I am resolved that no vexation shall put me out of temper if I can possibly command myself. Even old age, which is making strides towards me, shall not prevail to make me peevish." These words, resolute and unwavering, offer us a vision of how to face the challenges of life—not with bitterness, but with grace and self-mastery.

The ancients understood that the true test of character lies not in what happens to us, but in how we respond to the world around us. The Stoics, particularly Epictetus, taught that it is not the external events that cause our suffering, but our reaction to them. Epictetus said, "It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." In this, he echoed the wisdom that Adams expresses—that vexation and irritation are choices we make, not inevitable reactions. To command oneself in the face of frustration, to remain steady in the storm, is the mark of true strength.

Consider the life of Socrates, who faced the challenges of imprisonment, trial, and the threat of death with an extraordinary level of calm. Even when sentenced to die for his beliefs, Socrates did not succumb to anger or resentment. His response to his fate was one of equanimity—a reminder that the true measure of a person is not in the circumstances they face, but in the peace they maintain within themselves. In the same way, Adams resolves that the approaching reality of old age, with its potential to bring frustration and peevishness, will not define him. He will not let time and the inevitable march of his years steal his inner peace.

We see another example of self-control in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose pursuit of justice and truth was marked not by force or anger, but by the quiet power of nonviolence. Gandhi faced immense challenges—colonial oppression, personal suffering, and even violence—but he refused to let these things sway his temperament. His ability to maintain his composure in the face of adversity was not just an act of personal resolve, but a powerful tool in his mission for social change. Gandhi, much like Adams, recognized that even the storms of life could be weathered without succumbing to frustration.

In the face of old age, Adams’ determination is a call to embrace maturity with dignity and grace. The fear of aging often brings with it a sense of helplessness or irritability, as the body weakens and the inevitability of time becomes clearer. But instead of resigning himself to the bitterness that can accompany this natural progression, Adams is determined to face old age not with peevishness but with resolve and clarity. This is the true spirit of wisdom—to accept the passage of time without letting it diminish the inner light that guides us. In the ancient wisdom of Confucius, we see a similar sentiment: "The superior man is calm and composed. He does not allow circumstances to disturb his peace of mind."

The lesson that Adams imparts, and that the ancients teach us, is clear: self-mastery is not a passive trait, but a choice—a conscious decision to maintain equanimity in the face of life's challenges. It is easy to become consumed by the trials of the world, to let the frustrations of the day seep into our hearts and change the way we see ourselves and others. But the true power lies in the ability to rise above these challenges, to meet them with grace and composure, and to hold onto our inner peace despite the external turbulence.

Therefore, let us take this wisdom and apply it to our own lives. We are all faced with frustrations—whether from external circumstances or the natural aging process. But just as Adams, Socrates, and Gandhi showed us, we can choose to meet these trials not with anger or irritability, but with the quiet strength of self-control and acceptance. In doing so, we will not only weather the storms of life but will find a deeper peace that transcends the external world. Let us, then, cultivate this inner strength, resolve to remain composed, and face each new day with the calm assurance that no matter what life brings, we will not be swayed from our center.