"Each of us has a choice “to die like an animal or kill like a hunter” ". Yes! Thought-provoking writing and I'll be re-reading it. Moderation is a fickle one...I understand the justification: it's reasonable. But then I ask myself "when am I most alive?" Typically its not when I'm not in moderation mode or coasting; it's when I'm pushing into the fringe.
That is it entirely. And having set foot once in that mode of life, from what I've seen, it isn't really possible to look at moderation the same way again. It's always this effort not to forgot the extremes so that the ease of life is never taken for granted. The best of both worlds.
Achieving that ease of life seems like it's become both the goal and enemy of many Americans. Experiencing the extremes (and appreciating them) may be the only sustainable path and a way to have the best of both worlds, as you say.
I believe this truth in my bones: the problem we faced in pre-state societies was earning the right to live; the problem we face in state societies is earning the right to die. Said another way, death should not merely drift towards us: death needs to earn us. We must not “go gentle into that good night,” but we must “rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Here's my favorite quote: The timid voice says, “It is happening to me,” when it should say, “I am happening to it.”
I think of all the people who loudly proclaim their right to be curated by Big Brother and the Nanny State. They think they are expressing conviction and resolve. I hear resignation and capitulation. They are not happening to it, it is happening to them.
Excellent essay Sam! You write that time is not the same stimulating factor as imminent danger for banishing laziness, timidity, and apathy. I completely agree. If someone never experiences the danger, how would they even know an alternative benefits like the heightened awareness and gratitude of the Ache exist? Is discipline or premeditatio malorum enough? My own thought is that confronting uncertain and potentially perilous challenges is a necessity for realizing this. But, if that is the case, where do we draw the line, when its mostly not a requirement for living these days? I don't think being a reckless daredevil is the answer, so maybe moderation is the key. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
And, that's awesome that you met John Daily! I've been subscribed to him for a while!
You're welcome! I like your line of questioning. Trying to answer it has been most of the last ten years of my life. I agree with the moderation, but maybe not in a typical sense. I like the rhythm of war: periods of peace punctuated by extreme bouts of engagement. So a sort of barbell strategy, heavy on either end. I try to structure everyday like this and it has been awesome to experiment with it. So yes, I completely agree we need it, and not as intensely as the Ache who had no choice in the matter. We can blend the best of modern and ancient.
John is awesome and his book is amazing, and I need to catch up on his Substacks!
Oh wow, that barbell strategy just clicked with me! Have you read Nassim Taleb’s barbell strategy? He describes being conservative at one end to be robust to negative events, while being extremely risk loving at the other end to be open to positive black swan events. He also says to avoid the moderate risk in the middle, where little growth is to be found. This is something I’m going to have to think about for a while!
Sam, first, I appreciate and thank you for writing the What Then? It is like using the Socratic method of questioning yourself. It is the toughest thing like looking at the mirror for longer than a glance.
Our modern society has provided for many of us so much security and abundance that we lost the ability to be a hunter or be confronted as a prey. I see you that by becoming and serving as a SEAL, you became the Ache.
Thank you, Barry. It is tough and yet so rewarding to use that mirror on ourselves. I am not sure if there is a better way to view the modern world than through the eyes of the ancient. I appreciate your thoughts, and I begin to understand your perspective on many of these themes a little better after reading your post the other day. Thank you as always.
"Each of us has a choice “to die like an animal or kill like a hunter” ". Yes! Thought-provoking writing and I'll be re-reading it. Moderation is a fickle one...I understand the justification: it's reasonable. But then I ask myself "when am I most alive?" Typically its not when I'm not in moderation mode or coasting; it's when I'm pushing into the fringe.
That is it entirely. And having set foot once in that mode of life, from what I've seen, it isn't really possible to look at moderation the same way again. It's always this effort not to forgot the extremes so that the ease of life is never taken for granted. The best of both worlds.
Achieving that ease of life seems like it's become both the goal and enemy of many Americans. Experiencing the extremes (and appreciating them) may be the only sustainable path and a way to have the best of both worlds, as you say.
I believe this truth in my bones: the problem we faced in pre-state societies was earning the right to live; the problem we face in state societies is earning the right to die. Said another way, death should not merely drift towards us: death needs to earn us. We must not “go gentle into that good night,” but we must “rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Incredible. You really know how to fire us up.
Sometimes it is hard to tell how these sorts of thoughts will be received - I'm stoked it resonates with you.
You managed once again to convict and motivate me in a few paragraphs. Thank you! And utilizing one of my favorite poems in the process.
You are very welcome. That poem is one of my favorites as well. I am stoked you got some motivation out of this piece.
Interesting article. Thanks for sharing, Sam!
You're welcome!
Good stuff! Reminds me of the 5 hindrances in Buddhism.
I did not know of the five hindrances, but I'm going to start including some going forward. Thank you brother!
Here's my favorite quote: The timid voice says, “It is happening to me,” when it should say, “I am happening to it.”
I think of all the people who loudly proclaim their right to be curated by Big Brother and the Nanny State. They think they are expressing conviction and resolve. I hear resignation and capitulation. They are not happening to it, it is happening to them.
I could not agree more.
“I believe we are left with a crucial question: looking backwards from my future death, how do I want to meet it?”
You cover one of the 8 deadly sins completely with your 3.
Sloth. 😓
And what a sin it is. It is painful, but it makes me value those who overcome it even more. It is a good fight.
Indeed. I’m grateful that even in my darkest days of battling addiction in my youth—I was never ever slothful. 🙏
Thank you God.
That is a gift.
Excellent essay Sam! You write that time is not the same stimulating factor as imminent danger for banishing laziness, timidity, and apathy. I completely agree. If someone never experiences the danger, how would they even know an alternative benefits like the heightened awareness and gratitude of the Ache exist? Is discipline or premeditatio malorum enough? My own thought is that confronting uncertain and potentially perilous challenges is a necessity for realizing this. But, if that is the case, where do we draw the line, when its mostly not a requirement for living these days? I don't think being a reckless daredevil is the answer, so maybe moderation is the key. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
And, that's awesome that you met John Daily! I've been subscribed to him for a while!
You're welcome! I like your line of questioning. Trying to answer it has been most of the last ten years of my life. I agree with the moderation, but maybe not in a typical sense. I like the rhythm of war: periods of peace punctuated by extreme bouts of engagement. So a sort of barbell strategy, heavy on either end. I try to structure everyday like this and it has been awesome to experiment with it. So yes, I completely agree we need it, and not as intensely as the Ache who had no choice in the matter. We can blend the best of modern and ancient.
John is awesome and his book is amazing, and I need to catch up on his Substacks!
Oh wow, that barbell strategy just clicked with me! Have you read Nassim Taleb’s barbell strategy? He describes being conservative at one end to be robust to negative events, while being extremely risk loving at the other end to be open to positive black swan events. He also says to avoid the moderate risk in the middle, where little growth is to be found. This is something I’m going to have to think about for a while!
It is almost like moderation through extremes. It is an epic way to live!
Sam, first, I appreciate and thank you for writing the What Then? It is like using the Socratic method of questioning yourself. It is the toughest thing like looking at the mirror for longer than a glance.
Our modern society has provided for many of us so much security and abundance that we lost the ability to be a hunter or be confronted as a prey. I see you that by becoming and serving as a SEAL, you became the Ache.
Thank you, Barry. It is tough and yet so rewarding to use that mirror on ourselves. I am not sure if there is a better way to view the modern world than through the eyes of the ancient. I appreciate your thoughts, and I begin to understand your perspective on many of these themes a little better after reading your post the other day. Thank you as always.