On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.11

11. Violence is a simplistic tool as a means to a desired end, but often has more repercussions than is worth the gain. Power may be used like a bludgeon, or subtly. In a technological society, the hard application of force will be viewed graphically and exploited by unsympathetic parties to Maximum Advantage in all Things. Bluntness is dullness. Direct power is far more likely to breed resentment and create enemies. Only when direct action is used sparingly, fear is a weapon far more effective in terms of economy. Overstretch is avoided by a policy of simple maintenance. Only an idiot believes anything is possible.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.10

10. From time to time, one may discover the need to step forward toward conflict. Motivation may vary from the concrete or abstract; but regardless, it must be strong. Fighting, as opposed to simple brawling, is not worth pursuing unless the price is worth the cost. For some, conflict is an excuse for unleashing one’s drives to the fullest extent allowed. Unrestrained, these impulses degenerate toward basic animal instinct and actuates accordingly. The resultant unrestrained depravity befittingly leads the herd towards actively suppressing aggressive traits required for the an effective warrior class.[13] In those societies and cultures where the warrior is accepted, one will see codes and oaths against victimizing the unoffending. In a decadent society, where no such outlet exists, one may find the need to emulate past efforts. As a concession, at least This Modern Warrior Archetype is free.

[13] At best, equilibrium may be allowed to exist only under extremely controlled settings. The warrior must be able to switch off aggressive inclinations. One way or another, those failing to do so are suppressed.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.9

9. Reality has both tangible and non-objective components to its experience. A solid wall is always solid; but not always an obstacle. Limits exist. Ambition may only carry one so far. Someone else almost always pays to cleanup up the wreckage. The dead are beyond caring. Those traveling on a higher plane do so with one foot in the grave. Like a lode stone, opponents will gather to fill. Too often, the dirt is kicked back. How easy would it be to just step away?

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.8

8. Thought is not innate. Instinct is not always dominant. Terms are not always even. Definitions are not always precise. Translations are not absolute. Reductive reasoning flows toward smallest causes even as it complicates the interpretation. For most purposes, the world is fairly simple. The difficulty is ascertaining constituents. Subtleties can imply totally different matters. One must be capable of identifying context to avoid being used (and abused). An important means is identifying appeal: what pushes your buttons?

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.7

7. Like falling leaves, all life has a tendency to spiral downward as it dies. Humans are basically unique in their drive toward accelerating the effect of their deaths. Perhaps sentience is doomed in this regard. Awareness of death is a shackle. One need not roll the attached boulder off a cliff. Indeed, it may be an anchor. One need not follow the lemmings.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.6

6. In stressful situations, motivation is maintained when something viewed as worth the strain is either sought or defended. As a consequence, the less worthwhile causes will suffer from exhaustion sooner than those things which under duress matter better. The deepest roots are most firmly entrenched–with the exception of a decadents society. When safety valves become systems unto themselves, nothing boils while everything almost (but not quite) simmers. Even as it drags on, it still blisters. Unchallenged, things are limited to falling apart on their own. Although its collapse is final, at least one aware may gauge the direction of the fall.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.5

5. Mental preparation is as necessary for conflict (or competition) as physical conditioning. One must learn not to freeze. In stressful situation, others naturally look toward someone that offers the appearance of calm and composure. This Modern Warrior Archetype must carry it a step farther by offering something substantial. The alternative is allowing viscous opportunists their opening. Even the non-decadent may be brought crashing down by the hollow fanaticism espoused by zealots. One must rise above and light the path forward. The alternative is many steps backward.