When asked why he showed no emotion when informed of his sons death Thant replied 'I believe that I have attained a greater degree of emotional equilibrium than most people'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- U Thant explains his lack of visible emotion upon hearing of his son's death as achieving emotional balance.
- In plain terms
- He stayed calm after his son died because he mastered emotional control.
- What can you take from it?
- Emotional equilibrium can look like indifference.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is calmness a form of strength?
- How should leaders handle personal tragedy?
Another view
Stoicism may appear cold to those expecting visible mourning.
More from U Thant
As a Buddhist, I was trained to be tolerant of everything except intolerance
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