This newsletter explores the complexities of human thinking and decision-making. It delves into Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow," highlighting System 1 and System 2 thinking, cognitive biases, and the illusion of understanding. It also references Richard Paul and Linda Elder's work on critical thinking, particularly the concepts of deductive and inductive reasoning. The newsletter further explores Kahneman's insights on cognitive ease, the search for causality, and the reliance on heuristics. Finally, it draws upon Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" to emphasise the importance of objectivity, rationality, self-examination, and acceptance of change for clear thinking and virtuous living. The overall aim is to encourage readers to become more aware of their cognitive biases and to cultivate better reasoning skills for a more examined and rational life.

This blog explores why the Old English epic poem Beowulf remains relevant and captivating in the 21st century. It highlights the poem's timeless themes (heroism, fragility of civilisation, language, warrior ethos, mortality, pop culture influence), examines its linguistic features and historical context (Anglo-Saxon England, pagan/Christian blend), and analyzes its lasting influence on modern storytelling, particularly through Tolkien and contemporary adaptations. The script aims to be educational, informative, and engaging, using visuals, humour, and a personal touch to connect with a broad audience. It encourages viewers to appreciate Beowulf's enduring power and its ability to illuminate universal human experiences.

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.

The essay argues for the continued relevance of the Beowulf hero archetype in modern society and fiction. It contends that contemporary heroes have become weak and lack the traditional masculine qualities of honour, strength, and selflessness. By comparing Beowulf to a modern hero (Jack Reacher), the essay highlights the enduring appeal of these qualities and suggests a potential resurgence of this archetype in the future. The author concludes that people crave heroes who are strong, honourable, and capable of protecting them from threats, whether in ancient poems or contemporary novels.

This piece explores Carl von Clausewitz and his seminal work, "On War." It acknowledges the difficulty of reading Clausewitz due to his complex writing style but emphasizes the importance of his ideas in military strategy and beyond. The text provides a brief biography of Clausewitz, then simplifies some of his core concepts: war as politics by other means, the trinity of war (violence, chance, and reason), friction, and the importance of morale. It touches on the "3 Reciprocal Actions" from Book 1 that can escalate conflict and highlights the book's emphasis on war's complex interaction of political goals, human passions, chance, and rational calculation. The author suggests that Clausewitz's principles can be applied to various aspects of life, making his work relevant even for those outside the military field.

The blog post dives into the Old English epic Beowulf with a fun, irreverent tone. It argues that Grendel is undeniably a monster and explores the motivations of Grendel's mother, referencing Jane Chance's theory that her actions stem from grief rather than vengeance. The post then analyzes Beowulf's dive into the underwater lair as a symbolic journey and highlights the heroic qualities—honor, fearlessness, selflessness, and duty—demonstrated by Beowulf. It concludes by emphasizing the poem's enduring themes of courage and the battle against darkness, inviting readers to share their thoughts on heroism and the nature of monsters.

System 1 (fast, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, analytical). It explains how System 1 is prone to biases and quick judgments, while System 2 is lazy and often allows System 1 to dominate decision-making. The summary highlights key concepts such as cognitive ease, heuristics, and the substitution game, ultimately emphasizing the importance of understanding these systems to make better decisions.

The text argues that Grendel is unequivocally a monster, not a misunderstood outcast, due to his violent actions in Beowulf. It then shifts to Beowulf, suggesting he embodies the Heroic Age ideals more than specifically Anglo-Saxon ones, comparing him to an 80s action hero. The piece concludes by reiterating Grendel's monstrous nature and labeling Beowulf as an action hero.

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.

Kevin Kiernan's book, "Beowulf and the Beowulf Manuscript," challenges the traditional dating of the Beowulf poem, suggesting it may be contemporary to the Cotton Vitellius A XV manuscript (late 10th/early 11th century) rather than originating in the 8th century. Kiernan's argument is based on detailed analysis of the manuscript itself, including paleography, codicology, and the use of technology to uncover hidden details. This re-dating has significant implications for understanding Beowulf's historical and cultural context, emphasizing the importance of studying the physical manuscript itself.

Alright, let's talk Clausewitz. My friend recently said that trying to understand Clausewitz is like trying to understand quantum physics: nobody reallygets it. And honestly, after wrestling with "On War," I'm starting to think they're right. First off, the dude writes like he's trying to win a Nobel Prize for complicated sentences. Seriously, is it just a bad translation from 1830s German, or was Carl naturally convoluted? I even wondered if, after getting his "von" and becoming nobility, he was trying to sound more important than he was. Maybe that accounts for some of the language.

Beowulf is introduced as an esteemed, mighty, high-born, and powerful hero, the strongest of all men. This is emphasized before his name is even revealed. His elders support his decision to fight Grendel, and a watchman describes him as the mightiest man he has ever seen. Overall, Beowulf is portrayed as an inspiring, larger-than-life figure embodying the heroic warrior culture, similar to characters like Thor or Captain America.

Ever feel like life's a battlefield? (Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea). Well, Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War" is surprisingly relevant to, well, everything. Don't let the title scare you; it's not just for generals. Let's break down the 5 Basic Principles that can help you win, whether you're negotiating a raise, starting a business, or just trying to get your kids to eat their vegetables.

Sun Tzu's Core 5:…

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.

The Norton Critical Edition of "Beowulf: A Verse Translation" features Seamus Heaney's translation of the Old English epic, along with comprehensive materials to aid understanding. It includes Heaney's introduction, annotations, a language guide, visual aids, contextual essays, critical interpretations, and supplementary resources. "Beowulf" tells the story of a hero who battles monsters and a dragon, exploring themes of heroism and mortality. This edition serves as both a scholarly resource and an accessible entry point into English literature.