This piece dissects the pervasive nature of human weaknesses and blind spots, differentiating between biological defaults and acquired bad habits. It proposes two strategies for mitigation: strengthening virtues and implementing safeguards. The core argument highlights our inherent difficulty in recognising…..

This content explores the concept of guerrilla warfare not just as a military strategy, but as a psychological weapon applicable to social and personal conflicts. It contrasts conventional warfare's focus on direct engagement with the guerrilla's strategy of denial, fluidity, and psychological attrition. By giving an opponent "no…..

This analysis of Adrian Raine's work delves into the neurobiology of violence, revealing how brain imaging technology, particularly PET scans, has uncovered significant differences in murderers' brains, notably reduced prefrontal cortex activity. We explore how such impairments contribute to different types of aggression, reactive…..

This newsletter kicks off a series, "The Old English Beat," by plunging into the world of Beowulf. It strips away academic fluff to reveal the raw narrative of Beowulf's battles with Grendel, Grendel's Dam, and ultimately a dragon. It emphasises the historical accuracy woven into the fantastic elements of the poem, highlighting that…..

This isn't about self-help; it's about adopting the brutal, effective strategies of the Roman military to combat midlife stagnation. By embracing their core principles of relentless discipline, learning from failure, meticulous logistical planning, dedicating personal "manpower" to purpose, and self-funding your own growth, you…..

Elevate your life by strategically choosing "exemplars"—individuals, living or dead, fictional or real—who embody the traits you wish to cultivate. Assemble these figures into a "Personal Board of Directors" to guide your decisions and raise your standards. Through consistent practice and imitation within "sandboxes"…..

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 comprehensive guide, informed by Kevin Horsley's "Unlimited Memory" principles, reveals how academic learners can dramatically improve focus, eliminate mental clutter, and master information retention. Discover actionable strategies like the PIC Principle for concentrated learning, advanced memory systems…..

Dive deep into Beowulf, the epic Old English poem, reimagined through the lens of a digital, interconnected world. This blog post (and accompanying video) dissects how Beowulf adheres to, yet boldly diverges from, traditional Old English poetic conventions. Explore the rigid "code" of its structure and heroic ethos, the…..

This blog post delves into the strategies, tactics, strengths, and weaknesses of three ancient military titans: Hannibal Barca, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar. It provides a comparative analysis of their leadership styles, logistical approaches, and key battles (Cannae, Gaugamela, and Alesia, respectively)….

his piece argues that establishing and adhering to high standards, both personally and professionally, is crucial for achieving excellence. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, military strategy, and real-world examples (like Henry Kissinger and Bill Belichick), it highlights how our environment shapes us and how accepting….

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…..

Can violence be sown in the womb? In this deep dive into Chapter Two of Adrian Raine’sThe Anatomy of Violence, we uncover how the roots of aggression may lie not in choice, but in chemistry, chaos, and the cradle. From prenatal stress to genetiic…..

This video drags the ancient epic Beowulf into the 21st century, dissecting its themes of superstition, power, violence, and gender through a cynical, modern lens. Forget the dusty textbook – we’re revealing the brutal realities of the Anglo-Saxon world and asking what it tells us about ourselves today.

This piece delves into the often-neglected but critical importance of planning one’s exit from any endeavour, be it military, social, or commercial. Drawing parallels between strategic thinking and interpersonal interactions, it argues that successful endings are less about stopping and more about smooth transitions…..