Here's what I enjoyed reading today: Homer: "War is Glory" "War is Great" But that one Trojan solider who died? His name is Axylus. He owned a large house by the great road, and would open his doors to many a weary traveler. It is said no man went hungry under his generous roof. Despite all the kindness he had shown others, not one of them was there to save him from death. His body broken, and upon the mud and rich soil of Ilion. Speared by brave Diomedes, he will never return to father his children. === BREAK === There is a reason why this masterwork endures over generations. It is literally unforgettable, and the scenes are so vivid that you can't help SEE and HEAR what's going on. And this is through the coarse filter of a translation. One wonders how it must feel to hear it recited in Greek. Regards, KR PS: I wonder if we should do a book club? Like Pewdiepie used to do back in the day.

A Question I got from an Advisory Member: What do you do in moments that you are overwhelmed? In my case I can get easily emotionally overwhelmed due to small things like a rejection, which leads to me overthinking, then cascading into trauma issues. I know that journalling, etc helps in the long run, but what would you recommend to do in the moment for this? I'm sick of this happening randomly. Also I want to know what to do about it when at work too (especially here). === MY ANSWER === Having systems that build and maintain your mental strength, such as journalling, will provide a long term improvement. But it doesn't help in the short term...right? It can! In my view, journalling and meditation work in the short term as well. If I am feeling too upset to sleep, I will literally journal for an hour or more to get the emotional "heat" out of the system. Nothing to be ashamed about - this is a tool, and any man (or woman) can use it. My framework for emotional off-loading: 1. What happened and why are you upset? 2. Is there something good that can come from this? 3. Should I change my behaviors as a result of this? (often, the answer is no) 4. Can I get stronger as a result of this? Regards, KR

(Caroline Alexander translation) It's crazy how modern this book feels. It doesn't read like some dusty old "classic", fit only for academics. It is IMMERSIVE You're in the mud, deafened by the clash of bronze on bronze. You're in the mosh-pit as the Argives and Trojans tear each other apart over the dead bodies of their captains. As the story kicks off, we see the pretty-boy Paris utterly fail in single combat against Menelaus, beloved of Ares. Hector, elder brother of Paris reviles his cowardice and chastises him. We feel pity for the Trojans and the Argives, as so many soldiers and their leaders are pulled into war by the feckless Paris. We feel for Hector who has been working tirelessly for the safety of his city. Even the common men and women of Troy have been trained up to be an effective militia. All this, when Paris, beloved of Aphrodite makes love to an unwilling Helen. And then the horrific scene outside the strong walls of Troy: Brave Hector, hounded by swift-footed Achilles. Unlike Paris before him, Hector does stand and fight - but he isn't just fighting Godlike Achilles. Grey-eyed Athena casts illusions, ensnaring Hector in the fog of war; as Achilles, drenched in blood, approaches. Inevitable and fated. I cannot recommend reading this enough. Lux in Tenebris, KR PS: Get the Audiobook

"Pretty Girls, Public Speaking, Quitting your Job", that's the title of my new video. It is the first mathematics video I have made - wait what? Yessir! Each of out brains is a statistical estimator of risk/reward potentials. I will teach you all about it, and give you the practical steps to improve your ability to see through the fog of war. === BREAK === Does anybody have the PDF for BOBP? 🏴‍☠️ I want to feed my Claude Project with the special sauce. And of course, if you don't have access to this goldmine of a book, this will solve it. Book in Question: Bringing Out the Best in People (BOBP), by Aubrey Daniels If you have the PDF, drop in comments! Regards, KR

Ok I didn't expect this...wth I knew that 48 Laws of Power would win..but this wasn't a win, this was a massacre! How interesting, Bringing Out the Best in People (BOBP) only got 1% of the vote while 48 Laws got 81% The thing is, BOBP and 48 Laws have the same end goal: how to influence people around you. 48 Laws is a swamp of false dichotomies, false analogies and cherry-picked historical entries. BOBP is clear, concise and actually actionable. 48 Laws encourages manipulation, deceit, and blackmail. BOBP teaches you how to use positive reinforcement through honesty. Now, you might think: well, 48 Laws might be unethical, but surely it is more powerful as a result. But no, BOBP is BY FAR more powerful in terms of real life influence. In fact, I think this is the secret book that made Hormozi a billionaire 👀 Lux in Tenebris, KR