It is so refreshing (and rewarding, if that makes sense) to read your excellent work in general and this post in particular, Sam. Thank you. This imagery of the bog within will stay with me.
Not only do you lay the groundwork for us to come up with answers that matter but you ask the questions that matter. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is an end in itself. But knowledge for the sake of utility in reality, that is an ongoing requirement.
And I love reading a smooth text laid out calmly without bullet points and a bunch of headlines, to be honest. It feels dignified as well as solid, intended for depth of consideration. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, indeed.
I work in an industry that lives by optimization. One in which cold metrics are regularly delivered to management to gauge the effectiveness of the staff and processes – in order to make “data-driven” decisions. Optimization, ROI, speed and constant improvement are the goals, for no other reason beyond our society’s misplaced values. Predictably,
as the metrics improve the value of the products and services decline. Eventually we all get swept up into the vortex.
Anyhoo, this is one of the finest things I’ve read here on SS. I love how you’ve weaved stoicism throughout. This one will stay with me.
What an excellent post! It's so easy to become overwhelmed in everyday life just trying to stay fit and healthy and mentally sharp. I just turned 66 years of age, and had a change of heart about "getting older". Not lamenting that I'm one year older, but that I'm still able to to do most of the things I enjoy, and taking my time to do chores and such myself. Not giving in to aches and pains, but slogging through less enjoyable tasks. It's so easy to become (or stay) soft. Your thoughts and words of encouragement to do the hard things hit the mark for this human being who strives to still be of use.
'Learner' and 'Learned'. I've never before considered the distinction. It's a fine point, but I do think that the 'learned' are intellectual isolationists. They often fail to see the forest because of all the trees in the way. 'Learners' are less inclined to filter and sort. They take it all in, as well as they can, in an effort at complete comprehension.
Your point about intellectual isolation is interesting. It is almost intellectual primacy — the status of being learned is more important than community, preparation, meaning, etcetera. There is much to riff on here, as always with Eric Hoffer.
Great piece. Challenging for the right reasons. It’s funny- way back in the 70’s my monthly USN paycheck was so small that the last week of the month was scrapping by. I wanted more of everything. Now I have everything and it is so obvious how less is better. Finding discomfort again has been the most satisfying.
The week to week life is a different beast. I look about at my USN check as well and the simplicity of it all. My sense is it is far better to have known it than never to have known it, so that we can do exactly what you're talking about — bring it about voluntarily, by choice, and making a life of it. I appreciate the comment, Chris.
I’ve been thinking about this today. Interesting that “learned” and “optimized” are past tense while the other two are active. One considers itself complete, the other is ongoing
Being taken to my limits and beyond, and the insights these experiences generated are some of my most cherished takeaways from life in Regiment. We rarely have such opportunities in civilian life, and it shows. Most have no idea what they’re capable of with preparation, practice and motivation; in my case it was much more than I would have guessed.
Looking around, it is hard to not see the concrete everywhere; in the form of fueled machines that enable men and women to do the work they used to be capable of: travelling with their legs, lifting with their arms. Concrete (i.e., gadgets) let us pretend or feel like we still operate; excavators, cars, air conditioning, and hand drills. "Look at me, I'm big, tough, and strong!"
As you say, where will we be when the concrete crumbles?
This is a beautiful way to view it. When framed this way, why would anyone go with the algorithms pull over arts want? I'm going to think about this angle for awhile. Thank you for the thinking material.
A great piece Sam. I'm still early days in his writing, but your distinction of the learned versus the learners made me think of Peter Viereck's overadjusted versus unadjusted man. The former is consumed in the moment, seeking only the "flux" and never grasping the "permanent". With either framing, it strikes me that there is much to be done in helping all of us move more towards the learner, more towards the unadjusted.
Really good writing and thinking, Sam! 👏 Your bog reminds me of the well-named "slough of despond" in John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress". Thanks for the reminder that when we face an obstacle or impediment in our way, our attitude toward that will be a big part of whether we overcome it and go on.
It is so refreshing (and rewarding, if that makes sense) to read your excellent work in general and this post in particular, Sam. Thank you. This imagery of the bog within will stay with me.
Not only do you lay the groundwork for us to come up with answers that matter but you ask the questions that matter. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is an end in itself. But knowledge for the sake of utility in reality, that is an ongoing requirement.
And I love reading a smooth text laid out calmly without bullet points and a bunch of headlines, to be honest. It feels dignified as well as solid, intended for depth of consideration. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, indeed.
You are more than welcome, Allison. I'm grateful this piece struck you and was a place to slow down before speeding up. Thank you for the comment.
WOW outstanding Sam.
Thank you Don!
This is fabulous.
I work in an industry that lives by optimization. One in which cold metrics are regularly delivered to management to gauge the effectiveness of the staff and processes – in order to make “data-driven” decisions. Optimization, ROI, speed and constant improvement are the goals, for no other reason beyond our society’s misplaced values. Predictably,
as the metrics improve the value of the products and services decline. Eventually we all get swept up into the vortex.
Anyhoo, this is one of the finest things I’ve read here on SS. I love how you’ve weaved stoicism throughout. This one will stay with me.
These are great points, Lee. I appreciate the comment and feedback.
What an excellent post! It's so easy to become overwhelmed in everyday life just trying to stay fit and healthy and mentally sharp. I just turned 66 years of age, and had a change of heart about "getting older". Not lamenting that I'm one year older, but that I'm still able to to do most of the things I enjoy, and taking my time to do chores and such myself. Not giving in to aches and pains, but slogging through less enjoyable tasks. It's so easy to become (or stay) soft. Your thoughts and words of encouragement to do the hard things hit the mark for this human being who strives to still be of use.
Dana, thank you for the comment and the strength. That daily battle is worth it in and of itself. I'm grateful you found value here.
'Learner' and 'Learned'. I've never before considered the distinction. It's a fine point, but I do think that the 'learned' are intellectual isolationists. They often fail to see the forest because of all the trees in the way. 'Learners' are less inclined to filter and sort. They take it all in, as well as they can, in an effort at complete comprehension.
Your point about intellectual isolation is interesting. It is almost intellectual primacy — the status of being learned is more important than community, preparation, meaning, etcetera. There is much to riff on here, as always with Eric Hoffer.
Great piece. Challenging for the right reasons. It’s funny- way back in the 70’s my monthly USN paycheck was so small that the last week of the month was scrapping by. I wanted more of everything. Now I have everything and it is so obvious how less is better. Finding discomfort again has been the most satisfying.
The week to week life is a different beast. I look about at my USN check as well and the simplicity of it all. My sense is it is far better to have known it than never to have known it, so that we can do exactly what you're talking about — bring it about voluntarily, by choice, and making a life of it. I appreciate the comment, Chris.
Excellent post Sam. I love the learned/learner distinction as well as the optimized/optimizer. Thank you.
I'm stoked it resonated with you. You are more than welcome, and thank you for the comment.
I’ve been thinking about this today. Interesting that “learned” and “optimized” are past tense while the other two are active. One considers itself complete, the other is ongoing
This is a powerful way to view it. Those who think they have arrived versus those who care only for the journey.
Slow is Smooth and Smooth is fast is a mantra I embrace and am teaching my children.
There is something ancient in this way of life. Analog. Pre-state. It is an excellent way to grow up from what I have seen. I appreciate it, Michael.
Being taken to my limits and beyond, and the insights these experiences generated are some of my most cherished takeaways from life in Regiment. We rarely have such opportunities in civilian life, and it shows. Most have no idea what they’re capable of with preparation, practice and motivation; in my case it was much more than I would have guessed.
This is on point. Having these experiences puts the lie to the concrete, and reminds us just how hard and read we can be. I appreciate you sharing.
Thank you for sharing your work, always a pleasure!
Looking around, it is hard to not see the concrete everywhere; in the form of fueled machines that enable men and women to do the work they used to be capable of: travelling with their legs, lifting with their arms. Concrete (i.e., gadgets) let us pretend or feel like we still operate; excavators, cars, air conditioning, and hand drills. "Look at me, I'm big, tough, and strong!"
As you say, where will we be when the concrete crumbles?
It is all a worthy challenge for those who can see what is happening. I appreciate the riff, Jesse.
This is fabulous!
I needed this. Contemplating the algorithm’s pull and shaping versus what art wants.
This is a beautiful way to view it. When framed this way, why would anyone go with the algorithms pull over arts want? I'm going to think about this angle for awhile. Thank you for the thinking material.
Why indeed? Asking myself.
So good! Thank you.
You're welcome, Betsy. Thank you for your support!
This is the resistance.
Indeed it is. It is a good fight, Bridget.
A great piece Sam. I'm still early days in his writing, but your distinction of the learned versus the learners made me think of Peter Viereck's overadjusted versus unadjusted man. The former is consumed in the moment, seeking only the "flux" and never grasping the "permanent". With either framing, it strikes me that there is much to be done in helping all of us move more towards the learner, more towards the unadjusted.
This is excellent, I was not familiar with Viereck. I need to check this out!
Really good writing and thinking, Sam! 👏 Your bog reminds me of the well-named "slough of despond" in John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress". Thanks for the reminder that when we face an obstacle or impediment in our way, our attitude toward that will be a big part of whether we overcome it and go on.
You're welcome, Baird. Thanks for jumping in.