This content explores the timeless principles of unconventional warfare, extending their application beyond military strategy to business, politics, and personal life. It highlights how disrupting expectations, leveraging the "ordinary-extraordinary" dynamic, strategically employing irrationality, and constantly evolving can…..

This newsletter explores the timeless art of deception in warfare and daily life, drawing on historical military strategies and psychological principles. It illustrates how controlling perception, blending fact with fiction, and manipulating appearances are vital for gaining an advantage. The text details six core deceptive…..

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…..

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.

Drawing parallels between the Zulu war strategy of envelopment and the challenges of middle-aged stagnation, this piece argues that feeling trapped and lacking options is a form of psychological encirclement. The key to overcoming this inertia is to proactively apply a similar strategy in reverse: scouting for hidden opportunities, using your strengths to expand your reach, keeping major ambitions in reserve for strategic impact, and ultimately, creating a new framework to break free from the predictable pattern. By constantly probing, challenging the status quo, and making "stagnation" feel surrounded, one can reclaim a sense of possibility and defeat the psychological grip of being stuck.

Written from the perspective of an Oxford professor and military strategist, applies the principle of attacking the 'soft flank' from military history to the challenges faced by men in their 40s and beyond who feel stuck or stagnant. It argues against direct, frontal assaults on life's problems and relationships, which often lead to increased resistance and exhaustion. Instead, it advocates for indirect approaches like strategic kindness, subtle manoeuvres, and identifying ignored passions or new angles to disrupt predictability and achieve lasting results.

The core principle is that everyone and everything, including a feeling of personal stagnation, has a hidden "centre of gravity" - the vital source of power or support that holds it together. Conventional thinking focuses on superficial aspects or direct confrontation. However, true strategic effectiveness, whether in military conflict or personal life, lies in identifying and targeting this often-invisible centre. By understanding what truly underpins the structure or problem, you can inflict disproportionate damage and achieve a decisive outcome, rather than merely trading blows with the symptoms. This requires looking beyond the obvious, peeling back layers, and adapting your approach to the enemy's (or your own inertia's) specific vulnerabilities, which can be material, psychological, or even abstract.

Feeling stuck? This rallying cry for men in midlife is a no-nonsense call to smash through stagnation by applying two military-inspired strategies: The Blitzkrieg Strategy (Overwhelm Resistance with Speed and Suddenness) and Forcing Strategies (Control the Dynamic).

The Blitzkrieg Strategy is about strategic speed, not frantic action. It’s meticulous preparation followed by a sudden, unpredictable strike to break through psychological inertia and fear. Middle age is like a rigid defence system; to break free, act swiftly and decisively where others hesitate.

Control the Dynamic means shaping how others respond. Influence moods, shift the “battlefield” to unfamiliar ground, and lead indirectly through passive control. Compel mistakes by disrupting comfort zones and exploiting emotional vulnerabilities. The goal isn’t domination, but mastery — of others, and especially of yourself.

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.

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.

This Blog for men aged 40+ aims to combat mid-life stagnation by encouraging viewers to find purpose, lead by example, and cultivate a positive mindset. It challenges the concept of a mid-life crisis, urging viewers to identify their personal "crusade" and actively fight against the forces holding them back. The script emphasizes action, self-improvement, and building a supportive community, all delivered with direct and realistic language. It combines tough love with practical advice to inspire viewers to reclaim their lives and overcome feelings of disillusionment.

Inspired by Robert Greene's "The 33 Strategies of War," this newsletter explores the importance of avoiding groupthink and establishing effective command-and-control. It emphasises the perils of divided leadership, advocating for a unified command structure led by trusted deputies who share a common vision. By cultivating a skilled team, streamlining communication, and issuing clear, inspiring orders, leaders can maintain control and achieve success in any competitive environment.

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.

Nature doesn't give participation trophies. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nature has made up her mind that what cannot defend itself shall not be defended." Harsh, but true. Life's a goddamn battlefield, and if you're not ready to play the game, you're gonna get steamrolled.

We're not talking about literal war here (though, you know, sometimes it feels like it). We're talking about the battles you face every single day—at work, in your relationships, even with yourself. So, how do you win? By becoming a goddamn strategist.