Interlude: Aphorisms Galore #2

Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify.
-Ambrose Bierce

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.
-Samuel Butler

Education is the period during which you are being instructed by somebody you do not know, about something you do not want to know.
-Gilbert K. Chesterton

Interlude: Aphorisms Galore

For those with an appreciation for aphorisms, Aphorisms Galore is worth perusing. I especially appreciate the Wisdom and Ignorance section.

Here's a few samples that just caught my eye:

Beware the man of one book.
-St. Thomas Aquinas

The wise learn many things from their enemies.
-Aristophanes

A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of.
-Burt Bacharach

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.19

19. When confronted by outright distortions, lies and convoluted suggestion, certain constraints on conversation may prove frustrating and annoying. Long overdue, the avoided subject may long simmer before coming into a boil. The resultant alienation is long (if not ever) lasting alienation and possibly enmity. Unless one walks away, the hole will only be dug deeper. Once issues become personal, then rational thought and calculating ability are diminished. One should not plot grand strategy when one is enraged. Enemies are counting on exploiting mistakes. Some things can not be undone.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.18

18. Negative backlash can be at the least minimized or even averted by simply refusing to associate with those forces responsible for the initial provocation. Why lose everything due to the arrogance and stupidity of others? Of course, walking away does have its price: one must step over the remains on the way back. Holding the line is the compromise between aggression and retreat; like all settlements, unsatisfactory elements comprise its reality. One must learn to live with the consequences.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.17

17. No matter one’s belief or opinions (or lack thereof) regarding fate, one must expend energy and effort making things happen. At the same time, one must also realize and recognize that some things, for various reasons, are beyond one’s power to change. This mentality is particularly valid with respect to the self destructive impulses of others. Any other outlook is lying to oneself. In these cases, one must learn to either react appropriately and overcome as much adversity as possible, or avoid the situation entirely. Some things are not eternally worthwhile. If energy expended results in negative returns, the better path is simply walking away even into the unknown. As a general guide to expectations: only the truly brave have the will do so before being forced by The Fall.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.16

16. A technological society will inevitably spawn some type of technological culture. The state of the greater culture will necessarily be reflected and incorporated into its scene. Psychological pathologies may also find their outlet within its framework. Disembodiment can be decadent or divine. Nothing unalienable dictates one course over another. Only greater mass, one way or another, will tip the balance. In a world of absolute equality, both choices are given equal consideration. Guess which is more fun?

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.15

15. One may step away from the prevailing consensus by rejecting the argument that economy defines everything. As beaten to death in the last section, rationality consumes everything is its smoldering ruin. Honor can mean nothing in such a scheme–there is no direct economic gain. The idea of quarter becomes unthinkable. Thought is substituted for dogma. Even as it strangles itself, this dismal world view desires profit in all things. As a result, one way or another, it offers nothing but materialism.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.14

14. Events and places are strong influences on those factors that make one what one is. The past must be understood as a guide toward the future. The alternative embraces the predestination lie. The world is not as one wishes, but may be influenced for better or ill. At this point, a decadent becomes concerned with means than ends. Even as it destroys the cause, brutality is thus justified in the maximum concern of total gain. As a result, nothing is halted until all balance sheets are negative.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.13

13. Occasionally, one will be challenged by those beneath. Bravado will drive some to attempt foolish challenges. In such situations, a maximum response will only result in one appearing cowardly and therefore weak. If one shoots a brawler, the survivors will seek vengeance; if one rather forces the dance, the result will be a chuckle and increased respect. Escalation should be reserved for the truly dangerous.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Seven.12

12. In those situations where it becomes necessary “to take things up a notch,” one must be willing and able to act swiftly and decisively. When one is standing alone, failure will most likely be absolute as allies and adversaries alike deem one unreliable and easy subdued. At the same time, once victory has been achieved, one must be willing to be magnanimous. Baring true fanatics, the defeated must be offered a chance to keep some past gains. Only take (or deprive) that which is necessary for continues success. Honor is respected. In the end, nothing will be gained by humiliating a worthy vanquished foe. One does not need more hatred

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.