DEFINITION:
The term “perseverance” refers to the personality trait of steadfastness, that is, of being undeterred by temporary failure and of always attempting again and again to achieve one’s ends.
The essence of “perseverance” is succinctly expressed by the saying, “failure is not an option.”
ETYMOLOGY:
The English noun “perseverance” is attested from the fourteenth century. It is connected to the verb “to persevere,” which derives, via the Middle English verb perseveren, from the Middle French verb persévérer, meaning “to persevere” or “to persist.”
Persévérer, in turn, derives from the Classical Latin verb persevēro, persevērare, meaning “to persist,” “to persevere,” or “to continue.”
DISCUSSION:
It is easy to see why “perseverance” is a useful character trait.
Almost by definition, people who score high for “perseverance” will be more successful than those who score lower for that trait—for the simple reason that they are undaunted by setbacks. When knocked down, they always pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and try again.
On the other hand, one possible problem with perseverance is that, in a situation in which success is simply impossible, an individual who is very strong in that trait may end up in a dead end, “banging his head against the wall.”
On balance, however, there is little doubt that “perseverance” is a valuable character trait that motivates individuals to continue striving in the face of obstacles.
Since life is full of difficulties, not much could ever be achieved without a modicum of “perseverance.”