This post underscores the critical importance of mastering the art of ending endeavours well. A messy or incomplete conclusion, in any sphere from conflict to relationships, can cause enduring damage and ruin reputations. The core of this wisdom lies in knowing when and how to stop, avoiding overextension that exhausts resources or creates implacable enemies. Distinguishing between a recoverable risk and a potentially ruinous gamble is essential, with the latter often driven by emotion and a lack of a clear exit strategy. The truly strategic individual, unlike those who merely finish or abandon projects, views endings not as walls but as doors, positioning themselves for future successes. They understand the significant emotional resonance of a well-executed conclusion, leaving a positive ‘afterglow’ rather than weariness or dissatisfaction. This involves planning beyond the immediate endpoint, remaining rational amidst setbacks, and cultivating a ‘strategic third eye’ to counteract emotional reactions like anger. Recognising the ‘culminating point of victory’ – the optimal time to conclude – is vital to avoid the negative consequences of pushing too far. Ultimately, the document emphasises that victory and defeat are defined by how they are handled; mastering the art of losing strategically, using defeat as a lesson and a demonstration of character, is as crucial as winning. Ending on an ambivalent note can also be a powerful tactic for maintaining an advantage in subsequent interactions.

His piece delves into authentic self-confidence, not the brittle facade of ego, but the strength to confront reality and admit imperfections. It highlights how past resilience, inner dialogue, and a focus on outcome over personal validation build genuine confidence that weathers challenges and allows us to adapt, learn, and ultimately, succeed.

This explores the counterintuitive yet highly effective strategy of “Negotiate While Advancing,” treating negotiation not as a separate peaceful realm but as a continuation of conflict. By maintaining pressure and projecting strength, even when weak, you can dictate terms and secure your interests, much like a warrior manoeuvres on the battlefield.

Feeling adrift at 40? This article applies the strategic wisdom of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz to navigate the challenges of mid-life stagnation. While Sun Tzu offers subtle manoeuvring tactics, Clausewitz’s realism on “friction” and uncertainty provides a more potent framework for confronting life’s inherent difficulties and defining your purpose. Embrace the mess, expect setbacks, and persist in fighting for the life you genuinely desire.

This blog post, aimed at men aged 40+, draws on insights from philosophy and military strategy to address feelings of stagnation and lack of direction in midlife. It argues that self-control, the ability to manage emotions rather than being controlled by them, is key to navigating this period. Using metaphors of a ship at sea and battlefield tactics, it emphasises that true success comes not from constant excitement but from disciplined persistence and the conscious choice to steer one’s own course despite emotional turbulence.

A blunt takedown of Renaud Camus’s venomous “Great Replacement” theory, exposing its core claims, its spread across Europe and beyond, and its dangerous ties to conspiracy, xenophobia, and real-world violence. It argues the theory is baseless, a twisted interpretation of complex demographic shifts, and a dangerous tool for extremists.

Feeling stuck and directionless in your 40s? Stop fighting head-on battles against mid-life stagnation – that’s attrition warfare and it’s a waste of energy. Instead, embrace the ancient art of manoeuvre. This newsletter explores how strategic positioning, flexible planning, creating dilemmas, and calculated disorder can help you navigate challenges with ease, leading to renewed purpose and “easy victories” by outsmarting the predictable forces holding you back. It’s time to be smarter, not just tougher.

This excerpt presents a hypothetical defence or “nuclear answer” to the question of the good aspects of being white or the positive contributions of the West. It argues that Western civilisation has disproportionately gifted the world with advancements in medicine, science, education, commerce (capitalism), and political principles like representative government, liberty, and civil rights. The text contrasts Western curiosity about other cultures with the lack of similar interest elsewhere throughout history. It highlights the global desire to migrate to Western countries as evidence of their success and appeal. Finally, it asserts that Western culture is uniquely self-critical, tolerant of dissent, and open to allowing individuals of immigrant background to rise to the highest levels of political power, a phenomenon it claims is not reciprocated in non-Western nations.

This passage discusses Robert Greene's "The 33 Strategies of War," framing it as a guide to navigating life's challenges strategically. It highlights the book's application of warfare principles to everyday situations, such as career advancement and relationship management. The summary outlines key strategies discussed: controlling emotions, adapting to change, identifying enemies (both internal and external), staying calm under pressure, and committing fully to one's goals. It concludes by emphasizing that while the book advocates for assertive action, it also promotes ethical considerations and mindfulness of the impact on others.