Life is a Battlefield

A meditation on conflict

Thought

My friend ended our 10 year friendship last week.

Why? Because I hold a different viewpoint on the world.

Up until 5 minutes ago, friends could see the world differently and remain friends, but our age is ruled by the tyranny of oversensitivity.

I don’t go around arguing with everyone, but when asked, I say exactly what I think. I didn’t ram my philosophy down his throat, he sought out my Twitter feed and what he found triggered him.

I offered to meet up and talk it through, but he refused. One of the last things he texted me was, “No need to discuss.” We ended things on a respectful note, or so I thought, but a few days later he sent me a long text where he criticized my character and called me a “dirtbag.”

What’s the lesson here?

Some friends are for life, some are only for a season.

In conflict, dignity is your greatest ally:

  • Don’t react to their attacks

  • Seek to understand their motivations and perspective

  • Remain respectful but don’t let anyone walk all over you

  • If they cross into disrespectful language, wish them well and remove yourself from the situation

If you choose the path of authenticity, expect to ruffle some feathers.

I made my choice long ago and I’m willing to pay the price.

Tactic

Death Day Razor: imagine yourself on your deathbed looking back at your conduct in the present. Is the future you proud of your choice? If he isn’t, it’s the wrong choice.

Reflecting on yourself today through this lens can make complex choices easy. Once the decision is made, it may still be difficult to carry out, but at least you know it’s pointed in a good direction.

Life is messy. You have to make permanent decisions with imperfect information. Tools like this razor are a hack to making the best decision you can make in the heat of the moment. All you can do is your best, and while your best will often fall short of perfect, knowing you gave it your all is the surest way to live a life of honor.

Tome

Plato’s Republic

The granddaddy of Western Philosophy:

Plato will have you questioning many of your unexamined beliefs. I read it in college and my philosophy professor has a podcast that covers it, check it out: https://pca.st/episode/6b12c37f-f7b7-49cb-b4d1-8ce75cd0d5ea

This book has influenced Western Thought for thousands of years. I’m traveling to Athens next month for the first time, and a dream of mine is to read this book in the shadow of the Parthenon.

Tool

Crossrope

Torch fat and build a heart strong as a Lion’s:

Jump roping has elevated my fitness to a whole new level. With 5 minutes of jumping rope per day, you can upgrade your entire physique.

I hope this week’s 4 T’s have your T levels surging!

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In Victory,

Alex

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