Man’s chief merit consists in resisting the impulses of his nature.

This quote suggests that the greatest virtue of a human being lies in their ability to control and resist their natural impulses. These impulses could be anything from anger, greed, lust, envy and so on. It is easy to give in to these instincts but it takes strength and discipline to resist them. The quote implies that our worth as individuals is largely determined by our capacity to exercise self-control.

This concept can be applied directly in today’s world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and temptations. For instance, consider the impulse buying promoted by online shopping or overindulgence promoted by fast food chains. Resisting these impulses requires a certain degree of self-control which according to this quote, increases one’s merit.

In terms of personal development, this idea holds immense value as well. Working towards goals often involves resisting immediate gratification for long-term benefits – whether it’s choosing studying over partying or saving money instead of spending it impulsively. The ability to resist our natural tendencies towards ease and comfort often leads us towards growth and success.

Furthermore, this idea can also apply on a broader societal level where people must sometimes suppress personal desires for the greater good or collective welfare – such as following public health guidelines during a pandemic despite the inconvenience they may cause on an individual level.

In essence, this quote calls for introspection into one’s own nature and encourages discipline over instinctual reactions for personal growth as well as societal harmony.