“There is a second self inside you, an inner, shadow Self. This self doesn’t care about you. It doesn’t love you. It has its own agenda, and it will kill you. It will kill you like cancer.”
The Warrior Archetype came from the primitive hunting band. In essence, it is tribal. It’s primal. It’s primitive. It’s an Us versus Them paradigm.
The human race needed this when we were hunting mastodons and staving off saber-toothed tigers. We had to be all for our tribe and against all others. The Spartans were that way. Alexander’s Macedonians. The Romans.
But the Warrior Archetype is, at its heart, amoral.
That’s why so many crimes and massacres and genocides have been perpetrated beneath its aegis.
The only moral imperative of that archaic mindset is to act honorably toward our own tribal members.
Everyone outside the tribe? Screw ‘em. Murder ‘em. Annihilate ‘em.
Native American tribes used to torture the hell out of their captives. ISIS does it today, and so do a thousand other tribal-mindset groups. We mainstream Americans do it too and if you don’t believe me, ask the children in cages who tried to cross our southern border, to our own people – women and children as well as men – who are guilty only of driving while black or jogging while black or breathing while black.
That’s tribalism.
That’s the warrior archetype in its most primitive, amoral apparition.
Who is the real enemy?
When Krishna pointed across the battle lines and told Arjuna to slay the foe without mercy, he didn’t mean literal enemies. He didn’t mean attack them with spear and sword. He meant the enemies inside Arjuna’s own head. Fear. Self-doubt. Arrogance. Complacency. Cruelty toward others and, more importantly, cruelty toward ourselves.
Do we have a dream?
Do we have a vision of the realized self we might become?
Can we picture a life for ourselves that includes love and community and service and integrity?
Who is the enemy?
It’s whatever force inside ourselves is stopping us from doing that, from living that out.
“There is a second self inside you, an inner, shadow Self. This self doesn’t care about you. It doesn’t love you. It has its own agenda, and it will kill you. It will kill you like cancer.”
That’s the enemy.
It’s in you and it’s in me. It’s a force of nature. Impersonal, insidious, invisible, indefatigable.
We don’t need a gun to fight it.
But we do need the warrior virtues.
We need courage, we need patience, we need perseverance. We need the capacity to embrace adversity. We need aggressiveness, we need killer instinct, we need love for our brothers and sisters, we even need love for this dragon … the enemy that we must slay.
Oh, man. The talk in this space just keeps getting wider and deeper. So much that gets discussed here is about how our understanding of life influences what we put on the page. This week turns it around… what we’ve learned from our writing and what’s been written, and how that can help us understand our lives.
Good insights into our internal fears and conflicts being projected out on others.
Joe,
Agreed 100%. This was the pivot I think we all were expecting somewhere in our minds/souls, and it is empowering to see it explicitly.
bsn
So much good stuff here today, will likely cue up ‘War of Art & Turning Pro’ in my Audible app today.
Something that I have never thought about, or understood until I both read the blog and listened to the video. Arjuna doesn’t say that he’s afraid to fight those across the field. He said he loves them. They are his friends, family, he loves them.
How dysfunctional is that? And yet, how insightful? Does an alcoholic want to give up drinking? Do we hate our righteous indignation? Do we hate Doom-Scrolling the news? Heck no, we LOVE them. If they weren’t so seductively attractive, cable news, social media, click-bait journalism, and overly-processed food would be blips in our days instead of the most profitable companies in this economy.
Do I blame Twitter, FaceBook, MSNBC and FOXNEWS, American Tobacco, Coors, or Kraft for my problems? I do, especially when I’m in my victimhood foxhole, cloaked in victimhood thinking and feeling. It is so easy, familiar, comfortable & comforting.
Jordan Peterson does a fascinating lecture about sacrifice in his series about the psychological significance of the Biblical Stories. His take on Abraham sacrificing Isaac is, IMHO, the best secular description of this savage passage I have ever heard.
I think Jordan and Steve are saying the same things, yet using different language. Steve, the artist, made the enemy clearer with the imagery of Resistance. Peterson, the academic, names it pedantically as sacrifice.
My meditation for the day will be to examine all of the things I ‘think’ I love. Something I have never done is to make Resistance absolutely personal for me. How, exactly, do I give in? What, specifically, do I say to myself when trying to avoid my work/purpose?
I’ve been here for years, nodding my head as I read. Naming the beast(s) is the first part of targeting. I worked Intelligence in the Army. I’d tell my Soldiers that we have the most powerful, bad-ass, hunter-killers ever assembled in our combat arms. The problem is they are afraid of the dark. Our job, as intelligence professionals, is to illuminate the battlefield. Each of them was a flashlight.
Specifically identify when, how, where, and what language do I use when giving in to Resistance. Thanks Steve for bringing this around to where we can use the attributes of the Warrior Archetype for the light. A buddy of mine, USMA grad, former Ranger, said, “Brian, I want to create an Army of White Warriors”. I like that metaphor as well.
bsn
So if the enemy is us, then we as a species haven’t gone far in 6,000 years; that’s not good. Putting children in cages; driving while black, the Jan 6 coup attempt, the Myanmar coup last night, Krystellnacht, are examples of aberrant behavior or the norm?
This isn’t resistance; this is a lack of humanity. Overcoming resistance to write a book is a laudable achievement; participating in Krystellnacht, the Jan 6 coup attempt, or Myanmar was an assault on a properly elected government.
No wonder Telamon decided to follow the Sages; it seems the civilization for which he fought wasn’t so civilized after all. And are we much better 2,500 years later?
Joe-Brian-others: your thoughts? Or have I read too much into the post?
Andrew,
I don’t think you’re overthinking it, but I do think you might be focusing too much on the negative. We, as a species, have also ended so much suffering with modern medicine, modern agriculture, modern economics, modern warfare.
I think it was in ILE (intermediate level education)–formerly known as Command and General Staff College–we studied Von Clausewitz, Napoleonic Wars, as well as other historic warfare means/battles.
I had no idea how devastatingly BRUTAL war was in the 19th century. It is estimated that 25,000 men were killed at Waterloo. 3,100 dead, 23,000 union casualties & 28,000 Confederate casualties at Gettysburg.
We are aiming at a very narrow target. Humanity is slowly, fitfully fighting its way towards a more enlightened perspective.
I think violence towards another is the outward expression of inner hatred. Remember when a parent/coach/teacher/adult told us that when we point a finger, three fingers were pointing back at ourselves?
This, I believe, is what Steve meant a couple of weeks back about the 6 Jan riots & Resistance.
One other example. About 8 years ago, Kelly and I decided to lose weight. Neither of us could have been categorized as obese at the time–but we were carrying an extra 10-20lbs.
It was the first time I actually tried to control, sit with, and not give into hunger. HOLY SHIT IT WAS HARD!!!! I swear to God that fast food signs grew to about 500 ft, then bent over and dangled right in front of my face when driving by. If I didn’t have some boiled eggs in the car, I would have caved.
Anyway, one day–probably about 4 weeks into this restricted caloric experience, I walk by this REALLY big guy at the YMCA. I’d seen him there, nearly every day, for the past 8-10 years. In my head, I’m ashamed to admit, I’d judge him as a total fat-body.
This day was different. As I walked up the stairs and saw him–I finally got it. This shit is HARD. He was/is so much more courageous than I am. He continued to show up to a place in which fitness is the primary marker and tried every single damn day. As I passed him, my eyes filled with tears. Tears for the hatred and intolerance I had been quietly wishing upon him for years. Tears for the callousness of my own heart. It was like I FINALLY understood the battle her was fighting, and my heart opened to him.
Maybe this isn’t the best example, but I think it is close. It was using the Warrior Archetypal strengths to battle my own demons–and ironically, it made me more open, compassionate, considerate, forgiving to others.
bsn
Brian; you’re correct; it’s easy to get caught up in the negatives. Your positives made society better; and in very meaningful ways.
Your example of the overweight guy was awesome; thank you for sharing! It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own stereotypes and perceptions while he deserves huge credit for his dedication for sticking to a goal of his own.
Brian – Your comment above really hit home, about how Resistance comes to us as something we love, something that is eminently appealing. I went back over last week’s Resistance temptations, and they all fit that bill. How diabolically clever of Resistance!
Thanks Scott. I appreciate it. It is so damn deceptive! If you haven’t ever listened to JBP’s “Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories”, I highly encourage it. It is totally secular, but deeply profound & brilliant. They gave me so much more respect for our ancient myths, and how ancient man was desperately trying to figure out how to optimally live.
He doesn’t dismiss the mystical, simply stays in his lane as a social scientist.
It is rewarding to read that someone gets something from my musings! Have a great week.
bsn
I’m going to jump in, stomp and splash happily in the puddle for a bit, and then go meet my wife to do yoga. (And a PSA: Don’t buy Adriene’s sweet little “girl-next-door-yoga-instructor” schtick. She’s a pony-tailed drill instructor!)
I like what Charles Eisenstein has to say about “The Story of Separation.” How many of our insults to other people; to land, air and water; insults to ourselves — is that we’re misguided by this illusion of separation, that he talks about like this:
“The Story of Separation essentially says that you are is a separate individual among other separate individuals in this objective reality that has fundamentally nothing to do with you.
So psychology might say, “Well, yeah, essentially what you are is a mind enclosed in a body.”
Religion would say that you are a soul encased in flesh.
Biology would say that you are basically a meat machine programmed by your genes to maximize reproductive self-interest.
Economics says something quite similar, that we are all driven to maximize rational self-interest.
So here we are, these kinds of bubbles of psychology bouncing around the world, in competition, fundamentally, with other individuals.
So an underlying tendency in the story of separation is the will to control, the will to dominate. It’s kind of baked into the cake. It’s not because, like, we are bad and we’re dominators. It’s because of the story that we live in. If you see the world as composed of separate competing others and if you see nature as this random melee of force and mass, then of course you’re going to want to dominate, of course you’re going to want to control.
“I use the word ‘Interbeing,’ which I am told was coined by Thicht Nhat Han. It means more than Interconnection or Interdependency, which kind of suggests separate selves ‘having’ relationships. Interbeing is more of an understanding that we ARE relationships, that my very existence depends or draws from or includes your existence. So my well-being is intimately connected to your well-being or to the well-being of the river, the ocean, the forest, people across the world, and so forth, because I am not really separate from you. And that means that, in the story of Interbeing, I know that whatever I do to the world will come back to me, somehow.”
https://charleseisenstein.org/video/separation-vs-interbeing/
Sorry if I was lazy today and not making more of my own words.
Joe bringing the heavy brain in today! My first thought was a Pulp Fiction quote, “Look at the big brain on Joe!”
Nicely put. I like interbeing. Had to re-type is because the WordPress AI didn’t like the spelling.
Reminds me of what I got from Arbinger’s ‘Outward Mindset” stuff. It is based on the work of Martin Buber, early 20th Century philosopher. His work is called I/Thou relationship vs the I/It relationship. I haven’t read his stuff, only what was mentioned in Arbinger’s stuff–but it aligns with the Interbeing.
Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” Buber believed that Rene missed the point by focusing on the ‘I’ as the most important point of reference. What he might have responded to Mr Descartes would be something like, “Rene, good thinking. However, who taught you the French so that you could have such a pristine thought?”
Buber points out that the relationship is truly the point of reference. It is the relationship between selves that we need to focus. We either see people as people (I/Thou), or as things (I/It). From this misaligned focus, most of our problems arise.
At the time, I was trying to put this into my Soldier thinking. If I had the thought, “I need a couple of NCOs and a few Soldiers to complete this task.”–I’m in I/It mode.
If I think, “Maybe I should talk with Joe and Andrew, see what their thoughts are about this project/errand/task, and ask them for their help.” In that case I’m in I/Thou.
When we move even further out like you mentioned, to recognize our relationship with the trees, the air, the oceans–that is, IMHO, Nirvana or Heaven on Earth. It is difficult to dismiss the material world when it is so freaking REAL, and stubbing your toe HURTS. And, when I hurt, I lash out…even at a coffee table!
bsn
“That IS a tasty burger. Allow me to retort.”
Absolutely brilliant series. A real journey of self discovery and the internal battles we all face. Our physical self is often at odds with our higher self, but to paraphrase something I was once told, ‘when you (physical self) and you (higher self) come together as one, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.
Thanks, Steven! “The essence” of the whole series was expressed in this episode. Thank you for your take on political polemics, too; I think you have a really important perspective.
This is the post I’m looking for so long times, everything is clearly defined. Thanks for sharing. Sell Products Online In Pakistan
Hmm so interesting..
Myanmar was an assault on a properly elected government.
This is very informative and interesting for those who are interested in blogging field.
From the outside, it may seem that Latin women are too gorgeous, even a little arrogant, and boldly look at the world around them with emphasized superiority. It may seem so primarily free latin singles dating sites because every second Latin lady looks like a fashion model from the catwalk, and local women are also devoid of complexes at a practically genetic level. Nevertheless, those Americans who have already managed to get to know Latin brides better know that kinder, sincere, and open women cannot be found all over the world.
You should consider attending a webinar for writers. These webinars can help you develop the skills you need to write a book. The hosts will provide helpful guidance and suggestions on how to EssayWritingHelp a book proposal. As long as you attend these webinars, you will find your writing style in the right place. So, why not give it a try? You’ll be glad you did! If You Want to Publish Your Work
support and assists for all compatible products for all Window versions. We offer the required data to configure, utilize and install your Canon products on your Windows PC canon is completely safe and secure.
Canon printer should be connected to a network connection Next, download relevant printer software from ij start cannon site. We offer the required data to configure, utilize and install your Canon products on your Windows PC canon is completely safe and secure. ij.start.canon |
123.hp.com/laserjet
What an awesome article. I want to thank you because the useful information you provide helps us a lot. Keep posting!
If they weren’t so seductively attractive, cable news, social media, click-bait journalism, and overly-processed food would be blips in our days instead of the most profitable companies in this economy.
Thank you, me and many others are also interested in this issue. Very cool tridle post and trusted by many people.
I read this post your post so nice and very informative post thanks for sharing this post!
MetaMask Extension | Pro Coinbase | AOL Mail
Thank you so much for sharing. I have found it extremely helpful.
Interesting Content Thanks for sharing With us
Thanks for such a great article here. I was searching for something like this for quite a long time and at last, I found it on your blog.
Disneyplus.com login/begin | Disneyplus.com/Begin
It’s outstanding to pay hobby from you I’m attaining out approximately your content material fabric cloth you offer me with an updates of technology MetaMask Sign in | Pro Coinbase | Coinbase Wallet Login
First, shadows are the reflection of our existence in the space. Then, our shadows overlap, intertwine, communicate. In this project, shadows are turned into subjective via representations of our mind states. Instead of being distorted by the source of light, the audience will be able to control their own shadows by wearing the headsets that collect EEG data from them and accordingly form fake shadows projected onto the ground beside them.
Thank for sharing such an information with the help of this articles, so glad to read. bitazza | Satang Pro | Zipmex
It’s really very nice and useful post. Keep it up. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts. Visit Us:- Citibank Login | Capital One Login | Wells Fargo Login
Nice post, I found this blog site it’s very informative and helpful.
Coinbase Pro Login
Gemini sign in
It’s first-rate to pay interest from you I’m mission out about your content material fabric material material you provide me with an updates of technology Bitpanda Login | BitFlyer
Thanks for sharing this informative information with us. This is a fantastic website, thanks for sharing.
cuevana3 | Pelisplus
Finally found an Best Blog thanks for sharing
This is really a great website, i suggest you to post articles to attract visitors attention. Your website is really a great source of information.Cyberpunk Leather Jacket
This is how you can log in to your AOL Sign In account First, connect your phone or laptop to the internet. Open any browser on your computer or device.
Godrej Splendour is a excessive degree pre-deliver off extra area with the aid of Godrej Properties in Whitefield, Bangalore
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend.
SBCglobal.net email
Capital One Sign In
Cash.App
Coinbase Pro Login
What is Phantom Wallet?
Phantom Wallet is a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to securely store, manage, and trade various cryptocurrencies. It was launched in 2020 and has quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use and exceptional security features.
Phantom Wallet is built on the Solana blockchain, which is known for its high transaction speed and low fees. This means that users can transfer cryptocurrencies quickly and at a fraction of the cost compared to other blockchain networks.
Phantom Wallet | Phantom Wallet
A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. |
Crypto.com Sign in
Capital One Login
Phantom Wallet Extension is a popular browser extension that enables users to manage and store various cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain tokens. This extension is available for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave browsers and provides a user-friendly interface for managing cryptocurrency assets.
Read More : Phantom Wallet Extension
Solana Wallet is a popular cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to store, manage, and transfer their digital assets securely. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best cryptocurrency wallet for your needs.
Read More : Solana Wallet
I’ve travelled a long way to transfer money into your Capital One Login account. So, if you were looking for the same advice, ideally you can now successfully deposit money into your account.
This post amazing, Thanks to sharing this information.please visit…
wells fargo login |
Amex login |
capital one login
Bank of America Login
Wow I can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog,
The website is looking a bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes.
American express login
American Express Login This program lets the users earn rewards by making a purchase and then redeeming the same for travel, shopping, covering recent card changes, and much more. The most attractive lineament of this program is that the points earned by you under this program don’t have any expiry date.
You might be now thinking about how this program works. We can summarize the whole working of this program with three steps:
· Earn
· Explore
· Redeem
It’s great to pay interest from you I’m reaching out about your content material fabric you provide me with an updates of technology Aol Mail | Crypto.com Login
Prestige Park Ridge is a luxurious residential project located in the prime locality of South Bangalore.
You have a good point here! I totally agree with what you have said!! Thanks for sharing your views…hope more people will read this article!!!
Shearling Leather Jacket Mens
aol mail In this digital era, a lot of people, including me like to have a sense of personalization in everything we do. The same happens when we are in our workspace. Therefore, to let users have a personalized experience with their emailing-related tasks, one exceptional email service was released in the market by Verizon Communications.
aol mail
Metamask Wallet is a popular digital wallet used to store, manage, and transfer cryptocurrencies. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about the Metamask Wallet, from its features and benefits to how it works, and how to use it securely.
Metamask Wallet is a digital wallet that allows users to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It is an open-source, non-custodial wallet that enables users to store, manage, and transfer their cryptocurrencies securely. The wallet can be accessed as a browser extension on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Brave browsers or as a mobile application for Android and iOS devices.
Metamask Wallet | Metamask Wallet
A group of crypto enthusiast started this platform with a motto that they would bring out the potential of cryptocurrency in Mexico and LATAM. Bitso aims to provide access to crypto currency to the individuals in Mexico so they could learn and use digital modes of payments.
Pikashow is an online streaming platform that allows you to watch movies, TV shows, and live sports on your mobile device or computer. It offers a vast library of content, including the latest Hollywood blockbusters, popular TV shows, and live sporting events from around the world. Pikashow is designed to provide users with an easy-to-use interface and high-quality streaming service.
Read More : Pikashow apk — Download | Pikashow apk — Download
Error on the MetaMask login page
Those who are having account Metamask Login problems should adhere to the following troubleshooting advice:
Check to see if your smartphone or computer has a reliable internet connection.
Always use the right password information to access the account Metamask Login With Password . Use the most recent version of your browser and the MetaMask mobile app.
Thanks for your content on this blog love for the writer. Kindly visit my blog. SpookySwap Exchange | Mexc Exchange
Metamask Extension
Wow I can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog,
The website is looking a bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes.
Metamask login with password
Top cryptocurrency prices and charts, listed by market capitalization.Free access to current and historic data for Bitcoin and thousands of altcoins.
metamask wallet
Aol Mail Login
crypto sign in
Ok, you are getting better. Not sure I followed your logic all along there. And some of it is just ignorance as I’ll get to.
Hm, some of this is true about the noblier self. Much of it and that connection with a higher force and with ALL of us, is true. Even if they are your enemy. That’s true. There’s still a connection. There has to be.
Too bad modern liberals don’t agree with you.
I was cancelled by my liberal press,– Wayne State University– after being published and after they were reading my next work (couldn’t even get a response as to rejection) and worked out of my adjunct queue because I stood up and said universities should have NO political position. And criticized some of the way things were being taught. The president of Northern University agreed with me and asked me to sit on a panel with him, but he’s no longer there… Anyone not spouting the left woke line is being censored. This “inclusiveness” only works if you are a liberal. There is no “debate” or allowing ideas that conflict to be part of the conversation. And that includes publishing.
You have no clue what is happening out here. Because you live in your sheltered Hollywood world. You said you weren’t going to get into politics, but then you spouted much of the standard Hollywood liberal drivel. As you sit in your luxurious back yard.
I know the enemy is between our ears. So much of what you say in the War of Art is spot on. All that is true, but much of the rest of this is just out of touch.
So how do you fight that, Steven? Perhaps if you were censored, or your publisher cancelled you for your ideas (and all my liberal literary community excommunicated me) which at this point is a nonexistent problem for you, you might feel differently on some of this.
I agree with you on fundamentalism and some of that kind of thought, but I would hope you understand an authoritarian government cannot produce an environment where individuals can thrive. Or freedom. They may still be able to have personal freedom even in concentration camps, but free expression of ideas no longer exists here.
..
Maybe you don’t have the secret to life like I always told my kids. Or maybe you do… Actually, I’ll take some of this back. Your solutions to winning the war on an individual level are spot on. But as a writer, these developments are terrifying and you should see how crucial it is that we stop this right now. If you aren’t hearing people who disagree with you, that is not freedom. And our universities today are no longer places of freedom. Even Margaret Atwood and JK Rowling understand that. And wrote about it in the Atlantic.
I’d go so far as to you you do have it, you still have the secret…you just don’t understand the nature of the whole war. You are naive and take your freedom for granted.
Sorry, couple typos, etc. up there.
yes, anyone who provides details such as name, email and password can easily access the ChatGPT page.
Wells Fargo Login
Wow I can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog,
The website is looking a bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes.
Metamask Extension
nice to hear this keep going
Cuevana 3
192.168.1.1
Metamask is a browser extension that allows users to interact with decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain. It serves as a digital wallet, allowing users to store, manage, and send Ethereum and other ERC-20 tokens. Metamask can be added to the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, and Microsoft Edge browsers as a browser extension. Once installed, it can be used to interact with various Ethereum-based applications, such as decentralized exchanges, games, and NFT marketplaces.
Metamask chrome | Metamask chrome
MetaMask is a browser extension that allows you to manage your Ethereum wallet and interact with decentralized applications (dApps) without the need for a full Ethereum node. It is available for Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Brave browsers.
The MetaMask extension functions as a bridge between your browser and the Ethereum network, making it possible to easily send and receive Ether (ETH) and other ERC-20 tokens directly from your browser.
MetaMask Extension | MetaMask Extension
Chat GPT is the newest natural language processing (NLP) technology that has been making waves in the tech world. It’s no wonder, since Chat GPT offers a revolutionary way to communicate with computers using natural language. chat gpt | chat gpt | Chat gpt login
Top cryptocurrency prices and charts, listed by market capitalization.Free access to current and historic data for Bitcoin and thousands of altcoins.
Ethereum 2.0
Coinbase Login
You should be really happy and proud of your promotion. You worked so hard for this!
Coinbase account recovery |
MetaMask login with email |
MetaMask seed phrase |
MetaMask login with private key
A decent cryptocurrency wallet allows you to store a large number of cryptocurrencies.Professional-level investors are frequently wondering what is crypto.com and how does crypto.com work. crypto.com login || metamask wallet