I left Peterson's name out of the subject line deliberately because I don't want the discussion (if there is any) to be about Jordan Peterson, who is a polarizing figure. His message is what I wish to bring you.

A person who is incapable of violence cannot rightly be considered to be peaceful. In order to be peaceful, one must be capable of violence, but refrain from such action except when deemed necessary. A person who cannot act violently is not peaceful; they are instead, helpless. A peaceful man may prevail, but a helpless man is merely lunch on the hoof.

It's interesting to hear Peterson say in this clip that "follow your bliss" is not the answer, because if that were the answer, everyone who did what they wanted would be a paragon of wisdom, and that just ain't so. "Follow your bliss" was the advice and mantra of the late Joseph Campbell- someone who had great influence upon me in my younger days.
Also, I am reminded of Campbell when Peterson refers to the Grail Quest of the Knights of the Round Table, where each knight entered the forest at a point of their own choosing, creating their own path. I first came by this story many years ago, and it was via Joseph Campbell.

Machiavelli comes to mind as well:

I'm posting this clip because I think it's important to be heard by any man making his way in this violent world. No doubt, most of you know all of this already, even if you have never considered it in these terms.

Well-timed, and appreciated post for this Friday evening.

As important and immutable a concept and universal force as gravity.

Whenever I consider this concept I'm reminded of this movie scene:

@ 28 second mark.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkhVGVHV9qw


There is some of the "peaceful monster" at @ the 1:30 mark in this scene as well.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc1kPYIVjYM

just because of that last vid I wanted to read the whole thing.

quote:

“So live your life in such a way that the fear of death can never enter your heart.

Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long, and its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.” Chief Tecumseh’s (1768-1813)

For me, my mind wanders back to Musashi and his Dokkodo,

quote:

1. Accept everything just the way it is.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.

6. Do not regret what you have done.

7. Never be jealous.

8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself or others.

10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

11. In all things have no preferences.

12. Be indifferent to where you live.

13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.

14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

15. Do not act following customary beliefs.

16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.

17. Do not fear death.

18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.

19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.

21. Never stray from the way.

I'm reminded of American president Theodore Roosevelt, In a letter to Henry L. Sprague, on January 26th 1900, he wrote: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

"If you want peace, you must prepare for war".

That philosophy applies to individuals as well as countries.

quote:

A person who is incapable of violence cannot rightly be considered to be peaceful. In order to be peaceful, one must be capable of violence, but refrain from such action except when deemed necessary. A person who cannot act violently is not peaceful; they are instead, helpless. A peaceful man may prevail, but a helpless man is merely lunch on the hoof.

First things that came to my mind when I read this are "Peace through strength" and "Peace through superior firepower".

An excellent thread. A copy of these verses should be sent to every politician, as a guide to their consciences.

quote:

Originally posted by just1tym:
I'm reminded of American president Theodore Roosevelt, In a letter to Henry L. Sprague, on January 26th 1900, he wrote: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Spot on! Teddy was a LION!

Lately on my mind has been another one of his talks. Same topic, but with some added imagery. He talks about a harmless man not being a good man, being no more virtuous than a bunny rabbit, which is also harmless. It's the terrible part of us, capable of absolute savagery that we don't act upon is what makes us honorable and good. A man incapable of imagining the utter horrible things we humans can act upon each other, consumed with cowardice and ignorance is not a good man.

So, to your point of not making this thread about Peterson, I've been thinking lately about how that concept applies to me, how it should apply to all of us. I know there's a part of me that's capable of horrible things, and being to able keep that in check and choosing to do so is hopefully something that, as a modern man, sets me apart from other modern men. I think about this.

I just finished Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life. I found it a very enjoyable read that was thought provoking.

I was once a minor member of the most fearsome system of destruction ever created by man. Their motto:
"Peace is our profession".