This blog offers middle-aged men practical advice on using Stoicism to navigate the challenges of mid-life. It uses Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is the Way" as a springboard to discuss Stoic principles like the Dichotomy of Control, Negative Visualization, and Virtue Ethics. The video avoids overly philosophical language, opting for relatable examples, a conversational tone, and a bit of British humour (including some swearing). It emphasizes taking actionable steps to face challenges head-on, rather than succumbing to a midlife crisis. It also acknowledges the limitations of Stoicism and encourages viewers to start a community to support each other.

This Blog for men aged 40+ aims to combat mid-life stagnation by encouraging viewers to find purpose, lead by example, and cultivate a positive mindset. It challenges the concept of a mid-life crisis, urging viewers to identify their personal "crusade" and actively fight against the forces holding them back. The script emphasizes action, self-improvement, and building a supportive community, all delivered with direct and realistic language. It combines tough love with practical advice to inspire viewers to reclaim their lives and overcome feelings of disillusionment.

Roman military success stemmed from its organised legions, innovative formations like the Testudo, and strategic approaches such as the Fabian Strategy. Legions were flexible, standardised, and well-supplied. The Testudo provided protection against projectiles, while the Fabian Strategy aimed to weaken enemies through attrition. The Roman legion's adaptability and versatility made it superior to the Greek phalanx, which was rigid and limited by terrain. Roman legions, with their flexible structure and diverse weaponry, proved more effective across various battlefield conditions, leading to greater military achievements.

This newsletter explores the complexities of human thinking and decision-making. It delves into Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow," highlighting System 1 and System 2 thinking, cognitive biases, and the illusion of understanding. It also references Richard Paul and Linda Elder's work on critical thinking, particularly the concepts of deductive and inductive reasoning. The newsletter further explores Kahneman's insights on cognitive ease, the search for causality, and the reliance on heuristics. Finally, it draws upon Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" to emphasise the importance of objectivity, rationality, self-examination, and acceptance of change for clear thinking and virtuous living. The overall aim is to encourage readers to become more aware of their cognitive biases and to cultivate better reasoning skills for a more examined and rational life.

Inspired by Robert Greene's "The 33 Strategies of War," this newsletter explores the importance of avoiding groupthink and establishing effective command-and-control. It emphasises the perils of divided leadership, advocating for a unified command structure led by trusted deputies who share a common vision. By cultivating a skilled team, streamlining communication, and issuing clear, inspiring orders, leaders can maintain control and achieve success in any competitive environment.

This piece explores Carl von Clausewitz and his seminal work, "On War." It acknowledges the difficulty of reading Clausewitz due to his complex writing style but emphasizes the importance of his ideas in military strategy and beyond. The text provides a brief biography of Clausewitz, then simplifies some of his core concepts: war as politics by other means, the trinity of war (violence, chance, and reason), friction, and the importance of morale. It touches on the "3 Reciprocal Actions" from Book 1 that can escalate conflict and highlights the book's emphasis on war's complex interaction of political goals, human passions, chance, and rational calculation. The author suggests that Clausewitz's principles can be applied to various aspects of life, making his work relevant even for those outside the military field.

System 1 (fast, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, analytical). It explains how System 1 is prone to biases and quick judgments, while System 2 is lazy and often allows System 1 to dominate decision-making. The summary highlights key concepts such as cognitive ease, heuristics, and the substitution game, ultimately emphasizing the importance of understanding these systems to make better decisions.

This passage discusses Robert Greene's "The 33 Strategies of War," framing it as a guide to navigating life's challenges strategically. It highlights the book's application of warfare principles to everyday situations, such as career advancement and relationship management. The summary outlines key strategies discussed: controlling emotions, adapting to change, identifying enemies (both internal and external), staying calm under pressure, and committing fully to one's goals. It concludes by emphasizing that while the book advocates for assertive action, it also promotes ethical considerations and mindfulness of the impact on others.

Alright, let's talk Clausewitz. My friend recently said that trying to understand Clausewitz is like trying to understand quantum physics: nobody reallygets it. And honestly, after wrestling with "On War," I'm starting to think they're right. First off, the dude writes like he's trying to win a Nobel Prize for complicated sentences. Seriously, is it just a bad translation from 1830s German, or was Carl naturally convoluted? I even wondered if, after getting his "von" and becoming nobility, he was trying to sound more important than he was. Maybe that accounts for some of the language.

Ever feel like life's a battlefield? (Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea). Well, Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War" is surprisingly relevant to, well, everything. Don't let the title scare you; it's not just for generals. Let's break down the 5 Basic Principles that can help you win, whether you're negotiating a raise, starting a business, or just trying to get your kids to eat their vegetables.

Sun Tzu's Core 5:…

Nature doesn't give participation trophies. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nature has made up her mind that what cannot defend itself shall not be defended." Harsh, but true. Life's a goddamn battlefield, and if you're not ready to play the game, you're gonna get steamrolled.

We're not talking about literal war here (though, you know, sometimes it feels like it). We're talking about the battles you face every single day—at work, in your relationships, even with yourself. So, how do you win? By becoming a goddamn strategist.

I'm excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how I'm tackling my latest challenge: juggling in-depth study across four fascinating subjects and creating regular content around them. Yep, I've upped the ante!

I'm diving deep into Beowulf, Warfare: Strategy & Tactics, Critical Thinking, and Robert Greene's "War" – all while producing blog posts and videos. It's a lot, but I'm determined to make it work (and share what I learn along the way!).