In an era defined by political upheaval, climate anxiety, and the relentless pace of digital life, many of us are searching for an anchor. For journalist and author, the answer wasn't found in a new app or a self-help guru, but in a simple, powerful mantra passed down from her parents: "This too shall pass."
The Timeless Power of a Simple Phrase
This ancient adage, often attributed to Persian poets and folklore, was the steady refrain of her childhood. It was deployed for skinned knees, teenage heartbreak, and pre-exam nerves. Its purpose was never to minimise pain, but to contextualise it within the broader, flowing river of experience. It served as a gentle reminder that no state—whether of joy or despair—is permanent.
Today, that same phrase has taken on a new, profound resonance. Confronted with the "fractured and frightening world" of the 2020s—a landscape of pandemic aftershocks, war, and environmental dread—the mantra becomes a tool for psychological survival. It is a bulwark against the tide of catastrophic thinking that 24-hour news and social media algorithms can foster.
From Personal Comfort to Collective Resilience
The author argues that this isn't about passive acceptance. The mantra "This too shall pass" is not an instruction to do nothing. Instead, it creates the mental space necessary for constructive action. By acknowledging the temporary nature of a crisis, it can reduce the paralysing fear that often accompanies it. This philosophy echoes principles found in Stoicism and mindfulness, yet its delivery in the plain language of a parent makes it uniquely accessible.
In practical terms, the mantra acts as a cognitive reset button. When faced with overwhelming news or personal setback, repeating these words can interrupt a spiral of anxiety. It fosters a longer-term perspective, subtly encouraging the question: "How will I view this challenge in a year, or five years?" This shift can be the difference between feeling trapped and feeling capable of navigating difficulty.
An Inheritance More Valuable Than Any Possession
The piece reflects on the nature of this inheritance. In a material world, the most valuable legacy our families can give us is often intangible: a framework for understanding life. This particular phrase equips the recipient with a form of emotional armour, one that is lightweight yet durable. It is a gift that costs nothing to give but can be drawn upon infinitely.
The author's personal testimony underscores that such wisdom doesn't eliminate pain or solve global problems. What it does is alter the internal relationship to those problems. It fosters resilience, patience, and a quiet hope that is rooted not in blind optimism, but in the observable truth of change itself.
Ultimately, the article is a poignant reminder to listen to the quiet wisdom in our own histories. In seeking solutions to modern malaise, we might find that the most effective tools are not novel, but have been whispered in our ears for years. The challenge is to remember them, trust them, and pass them on.
