responsibility

The Mutilation Of Responsibility

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The historian Ammianus Marcellinus, writing around A.D. 385, contrasts the indolence and effeminacy of the Romans with the vigor and truculence of the Gauls.  He tells us (XV.11) that the average Gaul is tall, insolent, proud, and “enthusiastic about fighting” (avidi iurgiorum).  His wife is even stronger than he is, and capable of landing punches on an enemy with such force that her fists “seem like catapult missiles launched from its twisted sinews (ut catapultas tortilibus nervis excussas).”

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“You’re Supposed To Do Something About It” (Podcast)

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At the end of the movie “The Maltese Falcon,” Sam Spade explains his personal code to Mary Astor. He tells her, “When your partner is killed, you’re supposed to do something about it. It doesn’t matter what you thought of him. You’re supposed to do something about it…” But there is a larger lesson here. When problems exist, you have to do something. You have to take action to fight the problems. Running away to live a life of narcissism and selfishness is not what men do.

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If They Had Lived Up To The Responsibilities That Went With The Privileges (Podcast)

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The distinguishing feature of our “leaders” today is their near total disregard for putting the mission ahead of themselves.  They are unwilling to risk their careers to make the hard calls that would truly benefit society.  And because of their moral cowardice, all of us suffer.  We see this played out over and over.  In this podcast we examine an anecdote from the experience of one POW in the Second World War, and discuss its lessons.  When leaders betray their oaths and their offices, the betrayal extends beyond their immediate radius of control:  they betray future generations as well, the young people who were looking to them for protection and guidance.

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Do The Job You Were Assigned To Do (Podcast)

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When you are in a position of leadership or responsibility, you must carry out your duties.  The mission comes first:  you don’t have a choice.  Too many people today want the benefits of being “in charge,” without being mindful of the responsibilities.  Leadership carries many obligations, and some of them are not pleasant.  But they must be done.  Life is not about having “fun,” enjoying frivolities, and basking in vanity.  In 2020, we saw many examples of mayors and governors dodging their fundamental obligation to keep public order and discipline.  We discuss one such example, and seek wider lessons.

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Take Responsibility For What You Do (Podcast)

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If you’ve been assigned a job or a position, take responsibility for what you do.  Form your plans, put them into action, and stand by your decisions no matter what the consequences.  Don’t shirk responsibility, don’t pass the buck, and don’t look to create excuses if things don’t go as planned.  Our society is filled with buck-passers, dirtbags, and weasels who are always looking to affix blame for things on anyone but themselves.  We discuss details, using a conversation between President Lincoln and General U.S. Grant as a guide.

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Getting Your Mind Right (Podcast)

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Are you holding yourself accountable every day by living a good life, a productive life?  Are your actions congruent with your words? We talk about that slime bag mentality, how it holds you back, and how those little voices in your head can lead you down the path of vices.  There are no shortcuts, no days off, no letups.  You need to be putting in work, and not retreating one inch.  Ever.

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