The Story of Cologne Cathedral
Lessons on patience, determination, and perseverance
Cologne Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Mary, began in 1248 during the medieval period. The Gothic-style cathedral was intended to be a grand place of worship and a symbol of the city’s prosperity and religious devotion.
The initial phase of the construction progressed at a relatively steady pace, but due to various challenges, including financial difficulties, political unrest, and logistical issues, the work had to be suspended multiple times. The Black Death pandemic in the 14th century also severely impacted the labor force and halted progress.
Despite all these setbacks, the people of Cologne remained dedicated to the completion of their grand cathedral. Generation after generation continued the work, passing down the vision and commitment to their successors. Even when there were periods of uncertainty and doubt about whether the cathedral would ever be finished, the Cologne residents persisted.
Through the centuries, the construction of the cathedral became a collective effort, with the city’s inhabitants and craftsmen pouring their hearts and souls into the project. They diligently carved stone, created intricate stained glass windows, and meticulously sculpted countless decorative elements that adorn the cathedral’s interior and exterior.
Finally, in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral was completed. The result was a stunning architectural marvel, standing at a height of 157 meters (515 feet), with twin spires dominating the city’s skyline. It became one of the largest cathedrals in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors from around the globe.
The cathedral took 632 years to complete.*
Why this story?
Imagine working on a project that took over six centuries to complete.
A project that, despite many dedicating their lives to it, would not live to see the completion.
Imagine starting a project today, that you knew would not be complete for tens, or hundreds of years.
This seems almost unfathomable.
In today’s fast-paced society, patience has become a scarce virtue. We live in an era of instant gratification, where everything is available at our fingertips with just a few taps on a screen.
The value of patience should not be underestimated though. As witnessed in the Cologne Cathedral, things of immense beauty and pride come only from demonstrating patience and determination.
What can we learn from this momentous feat of human perseverance?
Impatience and Stress
The lack of patience in modern society is closely linked to increasing stress levels. We are accustomed to quick results and immediate solutions. When things don’t instantly go our way, frustration sets in. The constant need to accomplish multiple tasks at once puts immense pressure on our minds and bodies, leading to burnout and other stress-related issues.
Embracing patience can offer us a sense of calm amidst the chaos. By accepting that not everything can be instantaneously achieved, we can learn to cope with stress more effectively.
Taking a step back, breathing, and patiently approaching challenges can lead to better problem-solving and reduced stress levels.
The Instant Gratification Trap
We want immediate likes, comments, and feedback on our posts.
We desire products to be delivered to our doorsteps within hours.
We even get frustrated when YouTube doesn’t let us skip the ads and we have to wait 15 seconds!
This desire for quick satisfaction creates a shallow sense of fulfillment, leaving us constantly seeking the next instant fix.
By embracing patience, we can break free from this constant urge for satisfaction. Waiting for things to unfold naturally can lead to a deeper appreciation for the process and the outcome. Whether it’s nurturing relationships, pursuing personal growth, or achieving professional success, patience allows us to savour each step of the journey.
The Art of Face-to-Face Communication
In a world dominated by social media, texting, and emails, face-to-face communication has become a rarity. We expect instant replies and become agitated when we don’t receive them. This lack of patience hampers our ability to build meaningful connections and understand others on a deeper level.
Practicing patience in communication can transform our relationships. Listening attentively, giving others the time to express themselves fully, and waiting for the right moment to respond can lead to more profound and meaningful interactions.
Patience in communication fosters empathy and understanding, enhancing the quality of our relationships.
Personal Development
In our pursuit of success, we expect quick results and rapid advancements. True growth and expertise however require time and effort.
In Angela Duckworth’s book Grit — The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela tells a story about how when raising her children, they would let them swap hobbies, but not every time they wanted to quit. Instead, they instilled an agreement that they would persevere with something for a set period of time (say one year). If they still wanted to quit and try something else after this time, they could, but they were not allowed to quit when things got a little tough.
Impatience causes us to jump from one opportunity to another, without fully realising our potential in any given field. Patience in personal development allows us to invest time in mastering our skills and cultivating expertise. It enables us to weather setbacks and learn from failures, ultimately leading to more significant achievements in the long run.
In Closing
The construction of the Cologne Cathedral stands as an awe-inspiring example of the power of patience, determination, and perseverance to a shared vision across generations. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to persevere through centuries of challenges to create something of enduring beauty and cultural significance. The cathedral’s completion symbolises the lasting impact that can be achieved through patience and steadfast dedication to a goal.
Embracing patience can help us to achieve more significant accomplishments in our personal and professional lives. Patience is a virtue that we should cherish and cultivate. Let us take time to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
The next time you find yourself struggling with progress toward a goal, remember the people who built the Cologne Cathedral.
It might help you show a little patience.
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*Cologne Cathedral History — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cologne_Cathedral
