Through my relatively short life, I have pondered on these words. Why would it be more important to overcome my desires? Why would it be more important to have victory over myself? Shouldn't I squash all opposition to my plans? But Aristotle pronounces a deeper truth. A truth about whether we are living to our potential, to our capability, whether we have control over ourselves. We as human beings are gifted with unlimited potential and capability. We are a race of miracle-workers, if we so choose, if the time, the setting, the ingredients are right-- and the will. For it isn't other people that stop us. In the end, it is ourselves that bar the way to true achievement.

Things happen (as mentioned before) that arrest our development, that wound us, that traumatize us, that cause us to make the same mistakes over and over again. This, more than any outside force, stops us. And even if an outside force IS stopping us, it is up to courage, strength, purpose, that will stop that force. We must find it in ourselves.

It is harder to conquer the self. The self cannot be seen. It is who we are. It isn't in front of us, like an enemy. It takes meditation, and a sight that won't be blinded by fear or anger when approached by the truth. There also needs to be a lot of love and acceptance when confronted with yourself. Determination is important, but if you can't love yourself, then you are lost. Loving yourself promises that you will be able to do anything, because you have an inner font of strength, you have support and principles, even when others disagree or leave you in the dust.

Another thing about the self: It cannot leave you. To solve your problem you cannot run away or kill it, like a beast chasing you, because it will always follow you. It will always be there. One must reconcile themselves with themselves, otherwise, the only option is death.