On the brink, tempering impressions with reason and choosing compassion.
Weekly Ink #7
A weekly newsletter with findings, practical wisdom, and interesting conversations from across the web, curated by yours truly.
Insights
Curated stories and ideas.
Mr Lytvynenko is a close observer of American politics and says he understands the extent to which the administration is worried about escalation and the global implications of war in Ukraine. But he says a Ukrainian victory would reduce the risk of confrontation, not increase. “Leaders would become risk-averse.” A Ukrainian defeat, on the other hand, would be interpreted as proof that invasions work, with domino-like consequences in China, Taiwan, and beyond. “If aggression works once, everyone will think about having a go. Too many people are watching this war too intently.”
As Russia’s attacks step up, Ukraine fears waning Western support: I couldn’t agree with Mr Lytvinenko more; If Ukraine loses, more war in Europe is more likely, not less. Autocrats must be given a bloody nose, so they understand taking other people’s lives, liberty, and property is not OK. Hats off to the speaker for finally letting a vote on aid occur!
“Nuclear war is often described as unimaginable. In fact, it’s not imagined enough.”
The Brink: I’ve been told that the rate some men supposedly think about the Roman Empire, I seem to think about nuclear war. We have a collective responsibility to foster a world where diplomacy outweighs destruction, and we can not effectively do so without understanding what is at stake. We live in a new, less stable, more competitive world, which can quickly devolve into a zero-sum game, and the risk of a nuclear war has not been higher since the collapse of the soviet union and is likely to continue to trend this way. It doesn’t have to be this way. In an op-ed by Oppenheimer himself on the matter after World War II, he calls out the importance of patience, an open mind, and an appreciation for the complexity of humans. If you’re more of the listening type, There is also an excellent conversation here with Carl Ribochaud of the Carnegie Corporation.
Contemplations
Meditations, practical philosophy, and the occasional restless thought.
Imagine standing in the great expanse of the Roman Forum, your senses loaded by the sounds, smells, and sights of the crowd, people arguing, eating, and bartering. What we feel and think at that moment, the initial thoughts and perceptions that enter our mind, are what Epictetus calls “Impressions.” It is experience untempered by logic and reason, and they are a battleground where our virtue and vice content for dominance. When we receive an impression, we should pause and evaluate:
Is it true?
Does it warrant a reaction?
Within this space— this pause and evaluation of the impression- control and freedom lie. Every impression is an opportunity to apply the Dichotomy of Control and be more free. This takes practice and is likely a lifelong journey— that is why Sages are a stoic ideal rather than a state to attain. But by striving to be more mindful and present in the now, we can learn to notice the impression and choose a response instead of just reacting like a stung fox.
Dialogue
Voices, perspectives, and conversations from our community and across the web.
I like this clip. Be brave; choose compassion, connection, and kindness. It can redefine relationships.
Do you think more often about the Roman Empire or nuclear war? When did you miss a chance to be kind because you were afraid? I always want to hear your thoughts. ✍️
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