Passion, Experience & Growth

Clarity At The Extreme

December 27, 2020

To test the behavior of the systems we’ve built, we push them to the limits. Whether computer programs, or bridges, or aircraft, we stress them in the most extreme ways possible to see how they respond.

At the edges, we gain a certain clarity.

Where the silence of meditation may bring insight, the chaos of war also yields experience which may lead to insight.

Often, that experience is so extreme that it’s impossible to integrate into daily life. Out of combat, the brotherhood, the love that has been experienced profoundly seems distant and unattainable.

War is a nightmare. War is awful. It is indifferent, and devastating, and evil. War is hell. But war is also an incredible teacher. A brutal teacher. And it teaches you lessons that you will not forget. In war, you are forced to see humanity at its absolute worst. And you are also blessed to see humanity in its most glorious moments.” – Extreme Ownership | Jocko Willink | TEDxUniversityofNevada | YouTube

By pushing ourselves to the limit, we gain clarity about ourselves.