Yes sir. Trouble is less when you expect and prepare for it. Murphy is a sly devil though and causes arrivals to come at you sideways, above and below.
Strategy, tactics, design the plan, implement, evaluate. We are not in a position of strength on evaluation, our enemies power gives them infinite ability to get everything wrong and still bounce back. Our evaluations may take place in a gulag or grave.
Just So, I think there is an element in the current system that will not always bounce back now. The reality is the system is a great deal more fragile than it used to be in the past. In some ways, I am simply hunkering down and waiting for the storm to pass. To quote the Dune saying about fear, they will pass, and only we will remain.
True Linda. As I am reading up on my stoicism, they do spend a fair amount of time discussing the idea of not letting the things outside of our control disturb us as we simply cannot control them.
John, there is a certain pathos in The Annals of Imperial Rome where Senece, realizing that Nero has it out for him, "generously" offers up his wealth to him, perhaps in the hope of disappearing. It does not work of course, and Seneca is eventually forced to commit suicide.
That said, even in his own time he was considered a bit of hypocrite, preaching paucity of goods and the simple life but having incredible wishes. His "Letters From a Stoic" (Penguin version) is great, but get the older version translated by Robin Campbell; I fear what newer translators have done.
Yup, I've got the older one. I really do think that, even given his incredible wealth, he tried to live as authentically stoic a life as possible, indeed, stoic doesn't mean wealth is bad . . .
I believe that he did too John, and I like to believe that it is something he never truly reconciled - after all, to shed all wealth prior to that would be to effectively end his ability to become the advisor to the Emperor as he was. One can argue about his effectiveness, but given the outcome, one can wonder what would have happened if there was no Seneca in Nero's life.
Comments are welcome (and necessary, for good conversation). If you could take the time to be kind and not practice profanity, it would be appreciated. Thanks for posting!
Yes sir. Trouble is less when you expect and prepare for it. Murphy is a sly devil though and causes arrivals to come at you sideways, above and below.
ReplyDeleteThe Sun Tzu version of this "Anciently the skillful warriors first made themselves invincible and awaited the enemy's moment of vulnerability".
DeleteStrategy, tactics, design the plan, implement, evaluate.
ReplyDeleteWe are not in a position of strength on evaluation, our enemies power gives them infinite ability to get everything wrong and still bounce back. Our evaluations may take place in a gulag or grave.
Just So, I think there is an element in the current system that will not always bounce back now. The reality is the system is a great deal more fragile than it used to be in the past. In some ways, I am simply hunkering down and waiting for the storm to pass. To quote the Dune saying about fear, they will pass, and only we will remain.
DeleteGood points, just hoping not to get crushed when Leviathan falls.
DeleteOr at least dull the pain when the troubles arrive.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
True Linda. As I am reading up on my stoicism, they do spend a fair amount of time discussing the idea of not letting the things outside of our control disturb us as we simply cannot control them.
DeleteCarrying the tools
ReplyDeleteDissuades some errant gremlins
fate finds another way
In the motion the future:
DeleteI carry the rake outside,
and leaves stir away.
If only he had seen Nero coming . . .
ReplyDeleteJohn, there is a certain pathos in The Annals of Imperial Rome where Senece, realizing that Nero has it out for him, "generously" offers up his wealth to him, perhaps in the hope of disappearing. It does not work of course, and Seneca is eventually forced to commit suicide.
DeleteThat said, even in his own time he was considered a bit of hypocrite, preaching paucity of goods and the simple life but having incredible wishes. His "Letters From a Stoic" (Penguin version) is great, but get the older version translated by Robin Campbell; I fear what newer translators have done.
Yup, I've got the older one. I really do think that, even given his incredible wealth, he tried to live as authentically stoic a life as possible, indeed, stoic doesn't mean wealth is bad . . .
DeleteI believe that he did too John, and I like to believe that it is something he never truly reconciled - after all, to shed all wealth prior to that would be to effectively end his ability to become the advisor to the Emperor as he was. One can argue about his effectiveness, but given the outcome, one can wonder what would have happened if there was no Seneca in Nero's life.
Delete