Another good lesson and reminder “Sometimes it is not what you do, but how you look and sound.” Fortunately or unfortunately I can only relate that to the business world. Long time ago I was trying to close a deal (computer system) with a younger prospect. The young lady was taking over her father’s business and was “difficult”. Towards the end of the meeting, her dad comes over, shakes my hand and says you have the deal. I had to ask for the reason and he says your polished shoes - it means you will take care of us. My father taught me “spit and polish” his officers boots after WW2.
This is excellent. Business is war on a different field, but the principles of war apply in all aspects of life, as your father understood. Thank you for sharing.
Poignant and beautiful. Your words reach the soul my friend. Akin to true Love, awareness of our vulnerability begets a deep and soulful energy which prompts us to rush headlong into the unknown…..regardless of the consequences. Would we do it again? That is the ultimate test. The answer will always be YES!!
“It was due to this smallness that I felt free.” Can’t tell you how many times I’ve arrived at this idea and enjoyed the freedom it provides. It’s powerful, and to see it appear here brought a smile to me as if seeing an old friend! Another great essay, Sam.
My first issue M-16 was made by Rochester corporation and had a 5 digit serial number. The anodized black on the upper receiver was nearly worn away from decades of cleaning. The weapon was among those built by several U.S. companies after Robert McNamara ordered the immediate adoption of the M-16. It was likely in Vietnam and had been fired by many soldiers over the years. I kept it as clean as could, like it was more of a sacred relic than a rifle. I think of it often.
I learned Stoicism the hard way with my knuckles firmly planted on the ground and more mistakes than I can count. It gave me a different perspective and I wouldn't have it any other way.
" ...whose slave can he any longer be, whose subject?”
So many people almost eagerly accept someone else's yoke. It feels comfortable to them.
It is a wild thing. Every time I read a passage of Epictetus it reminds me how much of an act of rebellion it is to simply say "no".
Another good lesson and reminder “Sometimes it is not what you do, but how you look and sound.” Fortunately or unfortunately I can only relate that to the business world. Long time ago I was trying to close a deal (computer system) with a younger prospect. The young lady was taking over her father’s business and was “difficult”. Towards the end of the meeting, her dad comes over, shakes my hand and says you have the deal. I had to ask for the reason and he says your polished shoes - it means you will take care of us. My father taught me “spit and polish” his officers boots after WW2.
This is excellent. Business is war on a different field, but the principles of war apply in all aspects of life, as your father understood. Thank you for sharing.
Powerful
Thank you Chris.
Poignant and beautiful. Your words reach the soul my friend. Akin to true Love, awareness of our vulnerability begets a deep and soulful energy which prompts us to rush headlong into the unknown…..regardless of the consequences. Would we do it again? That is the ultimate test. The answer will always be YES!!
This is a beautiful comment - thank you for it. And without a doubt, the answer to this particular question will always be "yes".
“It was due to this smallness that I felt free.” Can’t tell you how many times I’ve arrived at this idea and enjoyed the freedom it provides. It’s powerful, and to see it appear here brought a smile to me as if seeing an old friend! Another great essay, Sam.
It is freedom indeed. Stoked you enjoyed it, Scott.
“That is enough, and it is divine.” Amen.
Rock on Timothy. Amen.
I’m still meaning to go back and read all of your work. You haven’t shared a less than stellar one yet.
It is because I’m picking out the decent ones, but I appreciate it Kyle
I look forward to finding your less than decent ones. I’m guessing our opinions will differ 👊🏻
My first issue M-16 was made by Rochester corporation and had a 5 digit serial number. The anodized black on the upper receiver was nearly worn away from decades of cleaning. The weapon was among those built by several U.S. companies after Robert McNamara ordered the immediate adoption of the M-16. It was likely in Vietnam and had been fired by many soldiers over the years. I kept it as clean as could, like it was more of a sacred relic than a rifle. I think of it often.
That rifle knew how to suffer beautifully, as did the many men who would have carried it - and indeed, did carry it - through hell.
Beautiful Sam 💪🏻
Thank you Dee, I'm glad you found value in it.
Always been a fan of the Stoic philosophy. You break it down to a fundamental core like few have experienced. Makes it pretty vivid indeed.
I learned Stoicism the hard way with my knuckles firmly planted on the ground and more mistakes than I can count. It gave me a different perspective and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Enlightening. Thank you.
You are most welcome.