This piece argues that men in middle age, feeling stagnant, are often held back by the "Social Default" – a deep-seated instinct to conform and follow the crowd due to the fear of looking like an outsider, being ridiculed, or disappointing others. This desire to fit in, rooted in evolutionary history, leads individuals to outsource their thinking and behaviour, resulting in average outcomes and a lack of individual initiative. The author suggests that true progress and escape from stagnation require independent thought and a willingness to deviate from the norm, even at the risk of failure or appearing foolish, as conforming to the crowd guarantees only average results.

The blog post explores whether Grendel's mother in Beowulf is a simple monster or a more complex, potentially misunderstood character. It contrasts a reader's comment which argues against overanalysing the character through the lens of modern feminism with a feminist perspective by Jane Chance, who sees her as a figure challenging traditional gender roles. It questions the fairness of applying modern interpretations to ancient texts and emphasises understanding the historical context, specifically the Anglo-Saxon values and the wergild system, which motivated her actions. The piece concludes that while modern readings add value, historical context is crucial for understanding her role.

Drawing lessons from military theorists J.F.C. Fuller and B.H. Liddell Hart, this piece argues that men facing middle-age stagnation can find inspiration in their ideas on manoeuvre, disruption, and adaptation. By applying principles of identifying and striking at key weaknesses (Fuller) or employing indirect, out-of-the-ordinary approaches (Liddell Hart), individuals can overcome inertia and revitalise their lives, much like a military force breaking through a static defensive line. The key is to avoid rigidity and embrace strategic, perhaps unconventional, movement.

The discussion compares the heroism of Beowulf and Achilles, highlighting their differing motivations, values, and impact on their communities. Achilles is characterised by his individualistic pursuit of glory and is driven by wrath, while Beowulf embodies selfless service and duty to his people. Achilles' death primarily affects morale and serves as a caution about unchecked ambition. Beowulf's death, however, leaves his kingdom vulnerable and signifies the fragility of human achievement, reflecting the differing values of their cultures.

A blog argues that men over 40 often sabotage themselves with their ego, drawing lessons from historical and modern strategists like Sun Tzu, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Clausewitz, Bismarck, and Steve Jobs. It advises adopting a strategic mindset focused on clarity, patience, and creating value rather than being driven by ego. The chapter encourages self-awareness, measured reactions, and distinguishing true worth from status, framing midlife as a new campaign that requires strategic thinking.

The blog post explores Grendel's representation in Beowulf through psychoanalytic and postcolonial lenses. From a psychoanalytic viewpoint, Grendel embodies the id, representing repressed desires and the struggle between civilisation and primal instincts. Postcolonial interpretations consider Grendel a "marginalised other" due to his lineage, habitat, and exclusion from society, though the analysis questions the modern tendency to view villains as misunderstood victims. The discussion also analyses how Beowulf's fight with Grendel constructs heroism through strength, virtue, and divine favour, solidifying Beowulf's heroic status by defeating a monstrous outsider and restoring order.

This is a series of blog drafts that use the analogy of World War I trench warfare to explore the challenges and mindset of men in middle age. It draws parallels between the static, attritional warfare of the trenches and the feeling of being stuck or worn down in midlife. The content covers the historical context of trench warfare—machine guns, fortified trench systems, artillery, and the overall defensive nature of the conflict—and relates these elements to modern-day struggles with career stagnation, health concerns, and loss of purpose. The aim is to provide tactical advice and a shift in mindset, encouraging resilience, adaptation, and a focus on practical strategies for navigating the "No Man's Land" of middle age. The writing style is informal, direct, and uses military analogies extensively to connect with readers.

The discussion explores how Beowulf's boasting aligns with the Anglo-Saxon heroic code. Boasting, while seemingly arrogant today, was a cultural norm that established worth, boosted morale, and enhanced clan reputation. It created expectations that had to be met with action, as failure to fulfil a boast brought dishonour. While fate played a role, boasting served as a tool to define identity, prepare for battle, strengthen social bonds, and establish dominance, with the understanding that words had to be matched by deeds. The consequences for failing to live up to a boast could be severe, including social ostracism or death.

Drafts that use the analogy of World War I trench warfare to explore the challenges and mindset of men in middle age. It draws parallels between the static, attritional warfare of the trenches and the feeling of being stuck or worn down in midlife. The content covers the historical context of trench warfare—machine guns, fortified trench systems, artillery, and the overall defensive nature of the conflict—and relates these elements to modern-day struggles with career stagnation, health concerns, and loss of purpose. The aim is to provide tactical advice and a shift in mindset, encouraging resilience, adaptation, and a focus on practical strategies for navigating the "No Man's Land" of middle age. The writing style is informal, direct, and uses military analogies extensively to connect with readers.

These are five (actually eight) books that I think are a must for anyone thinking seriously about studying Beówulf

Deterrence Through Presence: Middle-aged men can fend off irrelevance by cultivating a threatening, unpredictable presence that discourages attacks before they start. Reputation, uncertainty, and a willingness to go further build this deterrence.

Strategic Retreat: Sometimes the best move is no move at all. Trading space for time—disengaging and retreating—allows you to think strategically, exploit vulnerabilities, and infuriate aggressors.

Self-Knowledge is Power: Use periods of retreat to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values. Embrace your experience and use it to anticipate enemy moves.

The Blog post explores J.R.R. Tolkien's interpretation of Beowulf, particularly his emphasis on the poem's themes of mortality and heroism. Tolkien viewed Beowulf as an elegy, where the awareness of death heightens the significance of courageous deeds performed out of duty rather than a desire for glory. The "Northern Theory of Courage," as defined by Tolkien, is central, highlighting facing what must be faced even in the face of certain death. This perspective profoundly influenced Tolkien's own writing, particularly The Lord of the Rings, where characters grapple with mortality and the fading of their world. While acknowledging counterarguments, the script presents Tolkien's analysis as a deeply insightful and influential reading of the poem.

This piece argues that men in middle age often make poor decisions due to the "emotion default," reacting impulsively instead of strategically. Using examples from The Godfather, the Olympics, and a personal anecdote, it highlights the dangers of unchecked emotions. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing and controlling emotions, especially when compounded by biological factors like sleep deprivation and stress, in order to avoid disastrous consequences.

This article explores the epic Beowulf through the lens of fate (wyrd), the heroic code, and the growing influence of Christianity in a pagan world. Fate is portrayed as both a guiding and inevitable force, often intertwined with divine will. Beowulf exemplifies the heroic code through courage, loyalty, and legacy-building actions, such as boasting and honorable combat. The story navigates a cultural transition, juxtaposing pagan notions of destiny and revenge with Christian themes of divine providence and moral judgment. Ultimately, Beowulf presents a world where heroism, mortality, and spiritual evolution converge.

This newsletter/blog post uses the historical example of the Military Revolution, triggered by the invention and development of gunpowder, as a metaphor for the challenges faced by men over 40 experiencing mid-life stagnation. It argues that just as gunpowder rendered traditional military strategies and social structures obsolete, modern technological and economic shifts can make established skills and career paths outdated. The post encourages men to acknowledge these changes, acquire new skills, embrace innovation, and take risks to avoid being "left behind" and to become a "force to be reckoned with" in this new landscape. It advocates for continuous learning, diversification, and experimentation in both career and personal life.