On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.6.1

6a. Propaganda exists, most would agree, but it couldn’t possibly affect themselves. Only others are snared. One simply happens to think that way. Left in a vacuum, they would still behave, think and believe in the exact same manner. Only others are so mutable. For if one is an individual, one must be unique. The unacknowledged influence is the strongest. Few dare admit it. This Modern Warrior Archetype must be an exception, or else never be anything other than a tool. Influence must be admitted and purged through honestly admitting vulnerability, at least, to oneself. Shame is for the weak minded. Failing to recognize this battle is akin to the belief that a bullet will not rend and tear unprotected flesh. The mere idea is ridiculous. So goes the mind as well.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.14

5o. Collective action is not by nature antithetical towards individualism. Decadence and the decadent, being inherently anti-natural, will most easily make it so. A case in point, due to historically unseen technical advances, the world is interconnected. The values of competing civilizations are, in a sense, pounded at and on opposing population. That which cannot change has it forced. In this arena, left unto itself, the struggle between civilizations will be settled. Victory can only be a product of propaganda. Yet beware backlash. Nobody controls world propaganda.

[3] To a degree.

[4] As if.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.13

5n. Collective action may be vertical or horizontal in structure. However, although height might give one an advantage, that which is stacked too high will naturally reach a state of unstable equilibrium. The fall is hard. Those arrayed on the ground need only stay away from the downward path of collapse to be considered the success. These sort simply don’t promise or expect the world; whatever happens happens. Bear in mind, this assertion says nothing to imply that such low positions are never found on their knees, but they will likely survive. Those left merely standing will thrive. Some will stand taller than others.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.12

5m. Collective action may be a non-point source. As such, it can be blunted but never eliminated entirely. Indeed, just trying is a victory.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.12

5l. Collective action is susceptible to diversion. Hence, a program is required. This assertion should not imply rigidity.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.11

5k. Collective action leads to maximum exposure when applied for Maximum Advantage in all Things. In this scheme, the act occurs but once. By the act of immolation, attention is grabbed hard. Hence, means and ends beyond the Technical Morality must be employed for sustainability. The goal is not just to survive, but thrive.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.10

5j. Collective action has no innate control; so why push it? Things fall apart on their own.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.9

5i. Collective action is better witnessed through magnification. Practice is superior while small. An avalanche may be triggered by a single breath.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.8

5h. Collective action can be individual; it’s also harder to stop.

Archetypes

I'll be changing my ISP, so I won't be posting for awhile. For more on Archetypes check out Concerning Character and Archetypal Behavior Patterns. These pieces were originally written in 1996, and posted on this blog in 2004. Travis B. was kind enough to do a synopsis in the form of a graph. So if you don't want to take the time to read the whole thing, you can still get the general ideas involved. (Click on image to enlarge.) When I return, On This Modern Warrior Archetype will continue where it left off.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.7

5g. Collective action need not make one an insect. Society is not a hive. Culture is not a singular instinct. Complexity obscures. One may preserve one’s individual sensibilities by constantly questioning direction and goals. Of course, this does not imply one should turn against one’s friends and comrades. It does mean that one should not stay silent in the face of idiocy.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.6

5f. Severed ties may be mended, but will never be as strong again. In such situations, the knot is the weakest link, and therefore must be bypassed by using the longest remaining segment. Indeed, proximity may compensate for prior distance. However, tactics and strategy must accommodate this new reality. Few, it seems, are capable. This Modern Warrior Archetype requires setting aside personal feelings as a means to an end. Principles, on the other hand, should never do so sublimated. Discerning one from another is a different matter altogether.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.5

5e. Bonds are always subject to erosion. Energy must be expended in, more or less, direct proportion to the removal from base natural inclination. At the risk of being redundant, commonality will provide the lowest common denominator. In certain circumstances, This Modern Warrior Archetype must sink. A time comes to quit. The key to retaining one’s beliefs and identity is knowing when and how not to wallow. Even friends disagree.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.4

5d. Unity in cause should not be confused with solidarity. Both states imply something totally different over the short or long term. Both states create something totally different over the short or long term as well.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.5.3

5c. Allies are not necessarily friends.