Our Internal State Shapes Our Future Experiences
In George MacDonald‘s Lilith, he emphasized the importance of inner qualities and personal development over external circumstances. In the book, the character Mr. Vane says, “That which is within a man, not that which lies beyond his vision, is the main factor in what is about to befall him: the operation upon him is the event.” At that moment in the book, MacDonald wants to highlight for us that our internal state—our beliefs, character, and moral strength—primarily shapes our future experiences. The phrase at the end of the sentence, “the operation upon him is the event,” suggested that external events are secondary; what truly affects us is how we respond internally.
Mr. Vane’s takeaway from this in the context of the story was the understanding that, regardless of external circumstances, our true power lies in how we manage our own internal state. Mr. Vane was recognizing that cultivating a positive mindset, virtues, and inner resilience can help us navigate challenges more effectively. Essentially, Mr Vane learned that by focusing on his internal operation—his thoughts and moral character—he could influence his experience of life’s events rather than being solely at the mercy of external factors. This realization models for us personal responsibility and the importance of inner growth as key to overcoming difficulties and achieving a sense of fulfillment.
Byron's Babbles 
[…] a recent blog post, Our Internal State Shapes Our Future Experiences, inspired by George MacDonald‘s Lilith, I discussed how our beliefs, character, and moral […]
LikeLike