"My hunch is that the crisis of despair is actually the dawning realization that the modern world has left something crucial to the human soul behind; that subconsciously we are realizing that we will not find fulfillment in worshipping the gods of safety and ease; that we were not wrought for ease."
Sam always has at least one gem. Millions of Americans know that something is wrong, but don't know what. It might be that too many people have become passive participants, spectators in the 'game of life'. They cheer for their team, but they aren't in the game. How rewarding is that?
It is proving to be the diametrical opposite of rewarding, and to the detriment of us all. Getting this ship to stand upright is going to be a truly worthy effort. I do believe that this, too, could be a source of awe, command, and usefulness.
Ok. I've been thinking about this for a minute. I'm fully behind your thinking that "we were not wrought for ease." But it seems to me that a critical element of thriving under hardship is purpose, and fulfilling or attempting to fulfill it. I've honestly been having a bit of a struggle finding purpose lately. It seems clear in certain roles like the military or a few other careers, but in general, the modern world isn't looking for heroes or adventurers. Instead, it rewards marketing, finance, or computer savvy.
I re-read your last paragraph with Epictetus's advice, and I think that section is REALLY important. It helps bridge the gap, as you say. Are you aware of any passages in which he (or Marcus or Seneca or any of the others) speaks on finding purpose? I'd also love to hear your own ideas on finding that post-military.
A line of Epictetus sums up his view on purpose nicely: "What is mine? What is not mine? What has been given me? What does God will that I do now? What does he not will?" His entire philosophy is predicated on the idea that we should spread our arms for everything that will ever happen and to focus solely on how we act in any given moment. There is something deeply soothing in this. But he was also a slave as well as a professional philosopher. He advocated an extreme position using himself as an example, and my hunch is that this was a pedagogical device more so than what a student should actually strive for, given most of his students were wealthy children of aristocrats who were going to pursue careers in politics, military, and business. Unless we want to grow long beards and live in a hovel with a dirty cloak, that philosophy will not work. It is too passive. That is why when I reference Stoicism, I always try to layer it on top of a deeper anthropological foundation. The way I view it is that Epictetus (and Stoics in general) cuts through the irrelevant things that distract from purpose, leaving us to find purpose in literally anything that remains. It is, as they would say, one of the only things that is actually within our control.
I like that idea of layering Stoicism on an anthropological foundation. I think it was always designed to be in alignment with nature, but I think our understanding of human history and nature is different now.
But that quote from Epictetus. With the idea of alignment with nature, could he be suggesting to find the individual gifts/strengths/abilities that nature has given us and pursue that? He had a bum leg, so he focused on teaching philosophy rather than marathon running. I'm 5'7", so I'm not going to be a basketball player, but I can backpack all day. Maybe when we leverage our strengths (what nature has given us) and focus our virtue towards helping others (family, fellow soldiers, etc) that is where we find our purpose? And, as you put it, we learn to ignore all that distracts us from this. Thoughts?
The man left much of this up to individual interpretation. There may be some of what you mention (I too am built for carrying weight for distance) where we must leverage our individual gifts, but I could only wish to get his thoughts on all of the intricacies of our late-modern culture. Imagine if Epictetus had a podcast.
This would be a great conversation some day. At the very least, I would say that from my study of every word of his we have, he would have been a philosopher with or without a bum leg. No human can be so nuanced and profound and devoted due to a bum leg. On the other hand, if it was due to his bum leg, we have the universe to thank for breaking his leg and giving us this mans thoughts.
Man, this is the truth!! I think my bum leg illustration was much too simplistic. You're absolutely right that philosophy was in his nature, regardless. And dammit! Now I REALLY want an Epictetus podcast!! 🤣
While I largely despise marketing, and only consider finance to the degree I need to, to some people these are worthy life goals. It is for them to decide what works for them.
If I may play devil's advocate; while Sam extols the resolve of the frogmen, remember that people such as Hitler have had similar resolve, similar disregard of danger in favor of devotion to the mission. The part that Sam left out is that we must act on well thought out principle and not just on resolve. That gets tricky.
In the end, we must each find what is important us. We all benefit from working toward accomplishing a goal. But for some, the goal involves hurting others. For some, it involves benefitting others.
Yeah, I get that some people find fulfillment in those careers. I guess I was just using them as more concrete examples of ‘office work,’ which I personally find soul-crushing.
My takeaway about the frogmen is how, using their resolve, they thrive in the hardship by exemplifying virtue and excellence in service of those who depend on them (the Marines in this case). In doing so, they experience the rewards of living a good life- feelings of awe, usefulness, and self command. Anyone who would endure similar hardships un-virtuously (solely self serving, or for motives such as greed, anger, or vengeance) would not move towards being a better person and, in fact, be living in their own self-created hell.
Brother, this is a big question and I would like to think more deeply on it before responding. Part of my answer to your question is that I am using these essays to learn what purpose actually means. I am hunting here. But I will respond later with more because the question is so important.
Hey, no worries and no pressure! Thanks for considering it. I think we're all hunting for our way. Life is an ill structured problem, as they say. I'm just really interested in insight from people who've been in the mix and earned it!
You got right to the point, Dee. It's all right there in front of us, as well as within us. As far those with a the lack of willingness to look within, I think reality has a trick or two up her sleeve to solve that problem. It will be interesting to watch.
Those frogmen had trained their bodies to perfection and they were young men who felt invincible. Many of us have had our bodies softened by Big Food and our minds scared to death by media of all sorts. Of course we are different!
But Sam gives us a weekly parable and pep talk to fight back and seize control of our lives and our minds!
Thank you, Sam!
(I just read about these guys in a book called The Fleet at Flood Tide about the USN in 1944-45.)
Nailed it, John. Big Food and media have not been as kind to us as gardens in the backyard and strong communities united around a principled idea. I need to check out this book!
Sam, another appropriate essay fo the times. It’s interesting that I didn’t consider the word “despair” to describe the current reality. I see that roughly 50% of us live on emotions rather than on facts; the definition of cognitive dissonance. Why? It may be as you said the lack of external danger. I posted yesterday on TFP what I consider a tool for the 50% to break out of despair or stop “hoping”.
Let's play Election “S.W.O.T.” What is it?
It is my favorite tool I use in my business consulting practice, but I’ve been using it for a while in daily important decision-making processes to take emotions out and use facts; in other words, to try to eliminate cognitive dissonance. S.W.O.T. is simply: Understanding and acting on your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats results in Optimum Decision and Performance. Many of us consider making the right decision in the upcoming Presidential election as the most important one that it may affect the next 4 years or maybe the next few generations. An honest assessment will produce clarity to make the right choice. You can also play the S.W.O.T at home on any topic. To get going, I’ll go first:
This is no new idea and continues the unqualified denigration of a supposed weak and coddled present as opposed to some toughened purpose filled past. Sadly it is blind to a Grapes of Wrath reality that existed then and now in various forms, oversimplifying a complex issue.
Dr R, yours is an uncharitable viewpoint. It is difficult and indeed unnecessary to address every caveat a reader might have in a short form essay. My point stands: those who are trained to thrive in extraordinary hardship suffer less existential misery than those in ease who often self-destruct for lack of meaning and purpose. Anyone who has set foot in both worlds has laid eyes on this truth.
"My hunch is that the crisis of despair is actually the dawning realization that the modern world has left something crucial to the human soul behind; that subconsciously we are realizing that we will not find fulfillment in worshipping the gods of safety and ease; that we were not wrought for ease."
Sam always has at least one gem. Millions of Americans know that something is wrong, but don't know what. It might be that too many people have become passive participants, spectators in the 'game of life'. They cheer for their team, but they aren't in the game. How rewarding is that?
It is proving to be the diametrical opposite of rewarding, and to the detriment of us all. Getting this ship to stand upright is going to be a truly worthy effort. I do believe that this, too, could be a source of awe, command, and usefulness.
Ok. I've been thinking about this for a minute. I'm fully behind your thinking that "we were not wrought for ease." But it seems to me that a critical element of thriving under hardship is purpose, and fulfilling or attempting to fulfill it. I've honestly been having a bit of a struggle finding purpose lately. It seems clear in certain roles like the military or a few other careers, but in general, the modern world isn't looking for heroes or adventurers. Instead, it rewards marketing, finance, or computer savvy.
I re-read your last paragraph with Epictetus's advice, and I think that section is REALLY important. It helps bridge the gap, as you say. Are you aware of any passages in which he (or Marcus or Seneca or any of the others) speaks on finding purpose? I'd also love to hear your own ideas on finding that post-military.
A line of Epictetus sums up his view on purpose nicely: "What is mine? What is not mine? What has been given me? What does God will that I do now? What does he not will?" His entire philosophy is predicated on the idea that we should spread our arms for everything that will ever happen and to focus solely on how we act in any given moment. There is something deeply soothing in this. But he was also a slave as well as a professional philosopher. He advocated an extreme position using himself as an example, and my hunch is that this was a pedagogical device more so than what a student should actually strive for, given most of his students were wealthy children of aristocrats who were going to pursue careers in politics, military, and business. Unless we want to grow long beards and live in a hovel with a dirty cloak, that philosophy will not work. It is too passive. That is why when I reference Stoicism, I always try to layer it on top of a deeper anthropological foundation. The way I view it is that Epictetus (and Stoics in general) cuts through the irrelevant things that distract from purpose, leaving us to find purpose in literally anything that remains. It is, as they would say, one of the only things that is actually within our control.
I like that idea of layering Stoicism on an anthropological foundation. I think it was always designed to be in alignment with nature, but I think our understanding of human history and nature is different now.
But that quote from Epictetus. With the idea of alignment with nature, could he be suggesting to find the individual gifts/strengths/abilities that nature has given us and pursue that? He had a bum leg, so he focused on teaching philosophy rather than marathon running. I'm 5'7", so I'm not going to be a basketball player, but I can backpack all day. Maybe when we leverage our strengths (what nature has given us) and focus our virtue towards helping others (family, fellow soldiers, etc) that is where we find our purpose? And, as you put it, we learn to ignore all that distracts us from this. Thoughts?
The man left much of this up to individual interpretation. There may be some of what you mention (I too am built for carrying weight for distance) where we must leverage our individual gifts, but I could only wish to get his thoughts on all of the intricacies of our late-modern culture. Imagine if Epictetus had a podcast.
This would be a great conversation some day. At the very least, I would say that from my study of every word of his we have, he would have been a philosopher with or without a bum leg. No human can be so nuanced and profound and devoted due to a bum leg. On the other hand, if it was due to his bum leg, we have the universe to thank for breaking his leg and giving us this mans thoughts.
Man, this is the truth!! I think my bum leg illustration was much too simplistic. You're absolutely right that philosophy was in his nature, regardless. And dammit! Now I REALLY want an Epictetus podcast!! 🤣
While I largely despise marketing, and only consider finance to the degree I need to, to some people these are worthy life goals. It is for them to decide what works for them.
If I may play devil's advocate; while Sam extols the resolve of the frogmen, remember that people such as Hitler have had similar resolve, similar disregard of danger in favor of devotion to the mission. The part that Sam left out is that we must act on well thought out principle and not just on resolve. That gets tricky.
In the end, we must each find what is important us. We all benefit from working toward accomplishing a goal. But for some, the goal involves hurting others. For some, it involves benefitting others.
Yeah, I get that some people find fulfillment in those careers. I guess I was just using them as more concrete examples of ‘office work,’ which I personally find soul-crushing.
My takeaway about the frogmen is how, using their resolve, they thrive in the hardship by exemplifying virtue and excellence in service of those who depend on them (the Marines in this case). In doing so, they experience the rewards of living a good life- feelings of awe, usefulness, and self command. Anyone who would endure similar hardships un-virtuously (solely self serving, or for motives such as greed, anger, or vengeance) would not move towards being a better person and, in fact, be living in their own self-created hell.
Excellent point and caveat. I would love to delve into this but a short essay isn't the place. The "principle" element is absolutely crucial.
Brother, this is a big question and I would like to think more deeply on it before responding. Part of my answer to your question is that I am using these essays to learn what purpose actually means. I am hunting here. But I will respond later with more because the question is so important.
Hey, no worries and no pressure! Thanks for considering it. I think we're all hunting for our way. Life is an ill structured problem, as they say. I'm just really interested in insight from people who've been in the mix and earned it!
Incredible
I'm stoked you enjoyed it, Evan.
Its tatoos innit?
It is indeed.
Frog. Man.
This kicks ass, great writing and perspective.
I shall paint myself blue!
Stoked you enjoyed it, Daniel. Thank you for jumping in.
Hi Sam, I initially sent a like for the ripped frogman on your post. Then I realized it was Tuesday and there was probably an article attached…
Anyway, many thanks for both! Always inspiring and thoughtful.
That is hilarious.... thank you Asperges!
♥️☀️☮️🌈🏁
💥💥 Sam so simple and yet so difficult to understand for those that are unwilling to examine their own lives.
Well done sir. 🫡
You got right to the point, Dee. It's all right there in front of us, as well as within us. As far those with a the lack of willingness to look within, I think reality has a trick or two up her sleeve to solve that problem. It will be interesting to watch.
🙏most people are eyes wide shut as to their own inner workings
Those frogmen had trained their bodies to perfection and they were young men who felt invincible. Many of us have had our bodies softened by Big Food and our minds scared to death by media of all sorts. Of course we are different!
But Sam gives us a weekly parable and pep talk to fight back and seize control of our lives and our minds!
Thank you, Sam!
(I just read about these guys in a book called The Fleet at Flood Tide about the USN in 1944-45.)
Nailed it, John. Big Food and media have not been as kind to us as gardens in the backyard and strong communities united around a principled idea. I need to check out this book!
Sam, another appropriate essay fo the times. It’s interesting that I didn’t consider the word “despair” to describe the current reality. I see that roughly 50% of us live on emotions rather than on facts; the definition of cognitive dissonance. Why? It may be as you said the lack of external danger. I posted yesterday on TFP what I consider a tool for the 50% to break out of despair or stop “hoping”.
Let's play Election “S.W.O.T.” What is it?
It is my favorite tool I use in my business consulting practice, but I’ve been using it for a while in daily important decision-making processes to take emotions out and use facts; in other words, to try to eliminate cognitive dissonance. S.W.O.T. is simply: Understanding and acting on your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats results in Optimum Decision and Performance. Many of us consider making the right decision in the upcoming Presidential election as the most important one that it may affect the next 4 years or maybe the next few generations. An honest assessment will produce clarity to make the right choice. You can also play the S.W.O.T at home on any topic. To get going, I’ll go first:
Harris – (Strength: Woman, Weakness: Flip-Flopping, Opportunity: Women’s Vote, Threat: Men’s Vote)
Trump – (Strength: Policies, Weakness: Being Rattled, Opportunity: Coalition of Supporters, Threat: Vote Integrity)
Choice: Trump
The SWOT is an excellent tool, and this is an interesting use case. We will know soon. Thank you, Barry.
This is no new idea and continues the unqualified denigration of a supposed weak and coddled present as opposed to some toughened purpose filled past. Sadly it is blind to a Grapes of Wrath reality that existed then and now in various forms, oversimplifying a complex issue.
Dr R, yours is an uncharitable viewpoint. It is difficult and indeed unnecessary to address every caveat a reader might have in a short form essay. My point stands: those who are trained to thrive in extraordinary hardship suffer less existential misery than those in ease who often self-destruct for lack of meaning and purpose. Anyone who has set foot in both worlds has laid eyes on this truth.