War and Brotherhood

By | February 6, 2023

[February 6, 2023]  At the request of many readers and to pursue what I’ve wanted to do for a long time, I will discuss some of my thoughts on war and brotherhood and try to understand what they mean.  Using common thinking tools, I’ll shed some light on the human mind and, frankly, expand our thinking regarding the… Read More »

Why Soldiers Miss War

By | February 4, 2023

[February 4, 2023]  Sebastian Junger answers a question that has chased me for many decades.  He gave a TED Talk (link here, 12:55 minutes) to explain.  Junger believes he knows why soldiers miss war. A few years ago, on my blog, I tried to answer a similar question a high school student asked: “Do you miss war?”  I… Read More »

Arrogance and Resentment: Evil’s Folly

By | February 3, 2023

[February 3, 2023]  Is there a way to conduct your life in such a manner that the inherent susceptibility that characterizes your life is not just acceptable but desirable?  That is the central question of existence. Tragedy With regard to tragedy, humans are vulnerable.  And that is tragic.  But if that is the price we pay for existence,… Read More »

Discipline and Sacrifice

By | February 2, 2023

[February 2, 2023]  Discipline means that you can make sacrifices for your future self.  You must understand that today you are not disciplined if you just do more of what you want. Discipline is when you want to do something right now and instead put it off your gratification.  Do this forever, maybe, but at least for a… Read More »

A Relook at American Core Values

By | February 1, 2023

[February 1, 2023]  Shortly after retiring from the U.S. Army, I wrote a three-part series (see them below) on American Core values.  I recently wondered to myself if these 10 values hold true or maybe I would write a better explanation of each. Here is quick list of the 10 American values I identified: Liberty and Freedom Equality… Read More »

The Lion King

By | January 29, 2023

[January 29, 2023]  My son was about 11 years old when The Lion King (1994) movie came out in theaters near us.  I drove him and several of his friends to see it.  Nearly everyone I know has seen it and came away thinking the movie was right about life.  It struck a chord in us somehow. Dr.… Read More »

Lessons for Men: Embrace the Monster in You

By | January 28, 2023

[January 28, 2023]  Everyone tells us today, young men in particular, that we should be harmless, virtuous, and don’t do anyone any harm, hold back your competitive instinct, and you shouldn’t try to win.  Don’t be too aggressive or too assertive; take a back seat.  No!  Instead, embrace the monster in you. Be a monster, and then learn… Read More »