What a thought provoking post. I have (had) a so called nemesis when I wore the uniform. I often try and remember it differently, with the grace and growth potential you wrote about in this week's post. I would have called him evil, back in the day, but now I would more say that he acted rationally according to his values and belief system. Can values and beliefs be rational, not evil, and still "not ok".... As luck would have it, he was in a position to crush me later in our careers, and he chose to help instead. Yet he never focused on the actual mission... only so much as it benefited him. I suppose that is a common claim between nemesi. He later was relieved as a Colonel for basically being the guy I always thought he was. And instead of being happy, I felt empty. I felt empathy. Probably no point in what I am writing, but I did want to acknowledge that your writing inspired some thoughts and reflection. Thanks JD.
What a thought provoking post. I have (had) a so called nemesis when I wore the uniform. I often try and remember it differently, with the grace and growth potential you wrote about in this week's post. I would have called him evil, back in the day, but now I would more say that he acted rationally according to his values and belief system. Can values and beliefs be rational, not evil, and still "not ok".... As luck would have it, he was in a position to crush me later in our careers, and he chose to help instead. Yet he never focused on the actual mission... only so much as it benefited him. I suppose that is a common claim between nemesi. He later was relieved as a Colonel for basically being the guy I always thought he was. And instead of being happy, I felt empty. I felt empathy. Probably no point in what I am writing, but I did want to acknowledge that your writing inspired some thoughts and reflection. Thanks JD.
Iron sharpening Iron.
Looking forward to the book John!
Whenever you can quote Epictetus, you know it's going to be a good article.