[July 2, 2022] Why do people join the U.S. military? Deep down, if you don’t know the answer, then you are not in sync with our country. Young folks join the military to be part of a noble goal to protect and defend the nation; military recruiting efforts tell them so. They may say they join for the… Read More »
[June 27, 2022] Our existence is undeniably riddled with suffering and tragedy. Much of our world is also corrupt and tyrannical and if we don’t believe it, just look at the death and destruction of the 20th century, where evil ideologies took hold and led to the worse slaughter of humans ever recorded. So, why should you bother… Read More »
[June 26, 2022] You are molded and shaped by culture, and as a consequence, you are a historical creature. But culture is corrupt, oppressive, and tyrannical. Implicit in your being is the moral necessity to breathe new life into the ancient culture that has had it way with you. This is the hero and the dragon metaphor, where… Read More »
[June 14, 2022] Today in America, it’s Flag Day. So, what did I do differently? I made a conscious decision that by getting up early, I could write this article in honor of this special day – and do so without distractions. My wife and dog are still asleep. My neighbors are probably asleep as well. No car… Read More »
[February 24, 2022] The ancient Greeks were advocates of great leadership but, like love, they found it an illusive idea that defied their ability to fully understand it. It follows, that in our modern times, for us to improve our leadership capabilities, we should also admit to those same special challenges. We can make advances to understand better… Read More »
[February 23, 2022] I’m a fan of Theodore Roosevelt and his success as a great political leader, statesman, and historian. Although he didn’t say it, I’m sure Roosevelt would agree with William Shakespeare’s words that cowards die a thousand times before their final death.1,2 Roosevelt was a real man – a man’s man – very much unlike so… Read More »
[February 18, 2022] The first time I was assigned to a heavy weapons team, I was thrilled to be given the responsibility. Two days of training on the ‘Ma Deuce’ M2 50 caliber machine gun gave me insight into squad teamwork and the quirks of my team. Headspace and timing was the first thing we learned. In the… Read More »
[February 17, 2022] With great fanfare, the CEO of Morgan Stanley investment bank announced a new Freshman Enhancement Program in conjunction with Princeton University.1 Morgan Stanley’s program excludes those who are not Black, Hispanic, Native American or LGBTQ+ freshman undergraduate class of 2025. By doing this, Morgan Stanley violated their core values. Putting aside the issue that anyone… Read More »
[December 31, 2021] Reading is essential for reasons that are too well known to discuss. But I will make an observation about many younger folks I’ve worked with over the years. Many say to me, “I don’t read.” And I believe them because I also see them falling behind their peers in work, family, and social settings. At… Read More »
[December 22, 2021] Leadership is hard. Military leadership (that applies to leaders preparing for and being in combat) is tough. There are several famous writers on leadership (e.g., Druker, Maxwell, Bennis) who provide insight into several principles of leadership. Yesterday, I wrote Part 1 and listed many of those principles. These “principles” are commonly found by those writing… Read More »