Would recommend the Virginia Woolf On Being Ill Essay as orthogonal piece (related to strength, war, physical exertion, society).
Naturally the dearth of "projects that necessitate struggle, vigor, fidelity, and courage" isn't well distributed. On the note of crisis, I also wonder if the difficult terrain longed for is not partially that of the interior.
I liked this:
> All three of the great dictators have enhanced their power by imposing intolerable burdens on their peoples.
There's a lot of really hard work to be done! I'm sure being a parent is one of those difficult things. But perhaps this is relating to physical work?
Re: manhood and machines, I've been really taken with the idea of automation as: " human desire to connect with the soul of the artist". There's hopefully some opportunity here to configure what we mean by automation, and where it will best serve us (as in, where instead of taking away work it lets us be more in touch with it in new ways.) An expansive definition for automation being more about what should be easy and what should remain difficult — an invitation.
This always leads back to play.
Last thought. 'struggle, vigor, fidelity, and courage' perhaps all accessed through play, but de-risked. A great way to encourage exploration, entice learning, feel that vitality and meaning and even connection. Rough and tumble play isn't really an equivalent to war, but perhaps better? I don't know. It doesn't feel as weighty (though perhaps it should? but probably can't?). I'm interested in the role of grief here. Meaning is important, but perhaps is preceded by connection.
Ah, struggle. Its inevitability is something my daughter (in her 20s) has been lamenting of late. She has, indeed, had some particularly rough times. And I would never claim to not have complained about challenging times. And yet struggle is so stunningly valuable. I was trying to demonstrate my feelings about this by telling her about a time when I was bikepacking and the day had been hot and long and the bike had had issues. I’d miscalculated the (paper) map--an issue of scale mostly--and the last 2 mile hill of the day was a 12-mile climb. It was brutal. And amazing! I tell her how much more delicious the campfire by the sea, the hot curry, and cold-ish beer I’d carried all that way at the bottom of my pannier. She raises her eyebrows in a you-do-you look.
Thanks for sharing this perspective! I much enjoyed the variety of angles. And the self-guides trips with 12-year-old leaders brought back memories of trips in Joshua Tree where I worked with a group that took teens hiking. We’d start the week by having them similarly lead. :)
Glad you checked out and got something out of Pete Davis' book, Russell. "Moral equivalents of war" brings to mind the people under siege Junger writes about in Tribe and the positive feelings belonging they get from it—and long for when living in peace again. Related to "moral war," your point on 12-hour walks, manhood, and a new city, here's a challenge: A long cell-phone-less "urban hike" around Barcelona with your son when he arrives. Go for 50k steps or more. Did it with my friend this year here in Vancouver (because trying to walk 50k steps with my 2-year-old son is a battle I don't have the courage for). Highly recommend!
I think what war "gives us" is a common cause that drives people to self deprivation and risk that they wouldn't otherwise consider. Find a true "common cause" and people will find the will and yes, courage, to put the needs of the many over the needs of the few, to paraphrase the famous philosopher, Commander Spock.
Would recommend the Virginia Woolf On Being Ill Essay as orthogonal piece (related to strength, war, physical exertion, society).
Naturally the dearth of "projects that necessitate struggle, vigor, fidelity, and courage" isn't well distributed. On the note of crisis, I also wonder if the difficult terrain longed for is not partially that of the interior.
I liked this:
> All three of the great dictators have enhanced their power by imposing intolerable burdens on their peoples.
There's a lot of really hard work to be done! I'm sure being a parent is one of those difficult things. But perhaps this is relating to physical work?
Re: manhood and machines, I've been really taken with the idea of automation as: " human desire to connect with the soul of the artist". There's hopefully some opportunity here to configure what we mean by automation, and where it will best serve us (as in, where instead of taking away work it lets us be more in touch with it in new ways.) An expansive definition for automation being more about what should be easy and what should remain difficult — an invitation.
This always leads back to play.
Last thought. 'struggle, vigor, fidelity, and courage' perhaps all accessed through play, but de-risked. A great way to encourage exploration, entice learning, feel that vitality and meaning and even connection. Rough and tumble play isn't really an equivalent to war, but perhaps better? I don't know. It doesn't feel as weighty (though perhaps it should? but probably can't?). I'm interested in the role of grief here. Meaning is important, but perhaps is preceded by connection.
thanks for sharing
Ah, struggle. Its inevitability is something my daughter (in her 20s) has been lamenting of late. She has, indeed, had some particularly rough times. And I would never claim to not have complained about challenging times. And yet struggle is so stunningly valuable. I was trying to demonstrate my feelings about this by telling her about a time when I was bikepacking and the day had been hot and long and the bike had had issues. I’d miscalculated the (paper) map--an issue of scale mostly--and the last 2 mile hill of the day was a 12-mile climb. It was brutal. And amazing! I tell her how much more delicious the campfire by the sea, the hot curry, and cold-ish beer I’d carried all that way at the bottom of my pannier. She raises her eyebrows in a you-do-you look.
Thanks for sharing this perspective! I much enjoyed the variety of angles. And the self-guides trips with 12-year-old leaders brought back memories of trips in Joshua Tree where I worked with a group that took teens hiking. We’d start the week by having them similarly lead. :)
Glad you checked out and got something out of Pete Davis' book, Russell. "Moral equivalents of war" brings to mind the people under siege Junger writes about in Tribe and the positive feelings belonging they get from it—and long for when living in peace again. Related to "moral war," your point on 12-hour walks, manhood, and a new city, here's a challenge: A long cell-phone-less "urban hike" around Barcelona with your son when he arrives. Go for 50k steps or more. Did it with my friend this year here in Vancouver (because trying to walk 50k steps with my 2-year-old son is a battle I don't have the courage for). Highly recommend!
I think what war "gives us" is a common cause that drives people to self deprivation and risk that they wouldn't otherwise consider. Find a true "common cause" and people will find the will and yes, courage, to put the needs of the many over the needs of the few, to paraphrase the famous philosopher, Commander Spock.