Session 36

1. The great and the small

Animus- mind and anima- life principle, root, spirit are the two roots upon which lots of words like animal, animation, inanimate etc are built.

Magnanimous is animus + magna- great. Magnanimous souls rise above petty issues.

Pusillaminous is animus + pusillous- tiny. In contrast to magnanimous, pusillaminous people are mean and petty and have small minds and souls. Of course not literally but figuratively.

Some more words:

a. Unanimous- of one mind. A unanimous decision is collectively approved by all.

b. Equanimity- equal mind. Show an evenness, calmness of mind, be equanimous and you'll come out of any difficult situation unscathed.

c. Animus- This has come to mean unfriendly mind, quite different to its original meaning. Sort of means ill-will.

d. Animosity- hostility.

2. Turning

The root of versatile is verto,versus- to turn. A versatile man can handle many things simultaneously.. and successfully at that.

3. Zeno -

In the fourth century B.C. there lived this philosopher named Zeno who advised people on how to deal with the question of probably life itself "How to live a happy life". He told his followers to have an equal attitude towards both joy and sorrow. To be unmoved by both.To be tranquil and not feel anything even if unncessary misfortunes or adversities befell them.
Of course nowadays psychologists suggest the exact opposite to people as the key to a happy life. They advise us to let the emotions come as they are, express yourself( plagiarised from Airtel) and to basically to let yourself be as you are. Not to have any pent up emotions. Apparently it appears that Zeno sermoned all his preachings from atop a porch(stoa). And from that emerges the word "Stoic". Stoical people bear their pains without complaint, and meet adversity with fortitude. Is that the way to be? Not according to psychologists but my job now is to move to the next section.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno_of_Citium

4. Fear and trembling-

Intrepid derived from trepido- to tremble. Intrepid persons are mentally very strong and fearless and when dangers confront them they exhibit great courage. They don't tremble at the prospect of facing dangers.

5. Flash-

Scintilla in latin means a bright flash that lasts for a very small time. In english it more commonly indicates a very small amount of something. "I have not even a scintilla of preparation for the upcoming test".!!!
Of course scintillate means scintillating someone with charm and wit etc etc.

6. This section doesn't have anything new to tell us apart from what we already know. Tells us about words like urban, urbane, rustic, suburs etc. I believe all of us already know it. Better not waste our time here.

I believe that's it.