Overcoming Adversity In Zeno Of Citium, By Michelangelo

Life is complex and contradictory. We as humans can do so much, yet also do so little. That said, we are bound to a fate of struggle and opposition. Many may lose hope at the sight of a setback, however we are not necessarily helpless to the trials ahead. One of the numerous gifts given to us as people is our determination, and the ability to adapt and overcome challenges. In the face of adversity, Zeno of Citium, Michelangelo, and my grandfather demonstrated the importance and process of overcoming adversity through mind, body, and soul.

An aspect of overcoming challenges is through the mind. Zeno of Citium, the founder of stoicism, is a model example of the capabilities of the mighty intellect. Once a traveling merchant, Zeno spent a great

Michelangelo, a famous Renaissance artist and polymath, was commissioned by the pope to paint the ceiling of the Sistine chapel primarily alone. Michelangelo was a sculptor, and did not think of himself as a painter however accepted the task, since as a devout Catholic, painting for the church was a great honour. The mission brought Michelangelo numerous mental and physical challenges. He worked tirelessly, with his neck facing upwards for more than 12 hours a day. Tracking the progress of the piece from the angle he worked at was difficult, and he had no choice but to trust the process and persist despite his doubts. On top of that, the project took place from 1508-1512, therefore he did not have the convenience of the modern tools we use today. Painting on the ceiling strained his physical body, leading to long-term health problems, leaving behind such a profound imprint on the artist, that he even wrote a poem vividly describing the conditions he endured. “My beard was turned to heaven, my belly touched my chin, my brain was crushed in a casket and my neck grew a goiter whilst streams of paint rained down endlessly on my face”. Regardless of the countless trials, Michelangelo was passionate, devoted to his craft and religion, and knew the the historical severity of the project. Therefore, he persevered in his quest. Through Michelangelo’s steps, we see that overcoming obstacles demands more than

Daniel Imperial, my grandpa, had a quality that distinguished him from the rest: the perpetual fire of his soul. He was a kind man, a strong man. Strong, not only physically, but spiritually. A man who lived a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. When nearing old age, his kidney failed, and had to undergo hemodialysis. For years, he has overcame many physical health issues, and it seemed as if the more he struggled, the more purposeful he became. All went smoothly, until his greatest challenge yet. In fifth grade, my grandfather was hospitalized. During his stay at the hospital, he had tubes inserted everywhere. He couldn’t walk, he couldn’t talk, he couldn’t eat, and to breathe he required a tube inserted into his throat along with a machine that regulated his oxygen. He was in pain, and from the looks of it, he was nearing the end. Fortunately, his condition improved, however, with the patient undergoing surgery to remove the tube placed down his throat. The risks outnumbered the benefits, and the chance of survival was undefined. However, after countless hours of anticipation, the surgery was successful. Friends and family came to greet and congratulate him, one nurse even saying “Daniel, he’s a fighter”. An inspiration.” I never knew how or why he continued to persist, until he recovered fully and told me about his experience. Undergoing surgery, he recalled fighting with angels