Lt. General H.R. McMaster on Strategic Empathy and Seneca’s Contradiction

Apr 3, 2021

Lt. General H.R. McMaster, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General and former National Security Advisor, discusses the vital role of history and philosophy in leadership. He delves into his book, exploring the complexities of duty during the Vietnam War and the ethical challenges faced by figures like Seneca. The conversation highlights the concept of strategic empathy, emphasizing the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints in diplomacy. McMaster also shares insights on the dangers of ego in leadership and the necessity for deep reflection in decision-making.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Purposeful Reading

Read purposefully to solve a problem or deepen your understanding of a particular issue.
Place the book in the context of other related books to develop real knowledge.

ANECDOTE

Practical History

H.R. McMaster used historical lessons from North African campaigns to prepare for Desert Storm.
His unit benefited from a rediscovered document on desert combat by Major General Harmon.

INSIGHT

Vampire Fallacy

The belief that the next war will be fundamentally different is a recurring fallacy.
War's nature remains consistent: it's political, human, uncertain, and a contest of wills.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

The 48 laws of power

Robert Greene

In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws. These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation. Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.

The Daily Stoic

366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism[4][5][6].

The War of Art

Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Steven Pressfield

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

Ego is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday

In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.

Deep Work

Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Cal Newport

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

null

Sir Michael Howard

On the origins of war and the preservation of peace

Donald Kagan

In this book, Donald Kagan analyzes the origins of several significant wars, including the Peloponnesian War, the Second Punic War, World Wars I and II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Kagan argues that wars are often driven by a trio of motives: fear, interest, and honor. He contends that peace is not a natural state and requires constant effort, military preparedness, and diplomacy. The book critiques modern theories of human nature and international relations, advocating for a more realistic and pessimistic view of human behavior and the role of power in international affairs[2][3][5].

The future of war

A History

Lawrence Freedman

In this book, Lawrence Freedman examines how societies over the last two centuries have tried to predict the future of war. He discusses how most predictions about future wars have been wrong, often idealizing war as confined, brief, and decisive. Freedman covers a wide range of historical examples, from the Franco-Prussian War to contemporary insurgencies, and critiques the classical model of war that emphasizes decisive knockout blows. He also explores the blurring of boundaries between peace and war, the rise of civil wars, and the impact of technological advancements such as cyberwar, robots, and drones. The book challenges current strategic thinking and provides a historical perspective on the evolving nature of warfare.

A Sense Of The Enemy The High Stakes History Of Reading Your Rivals Mind

Zachary Shore

In 'A Sense of the Enemy,' Zachary Shore argues that successful leaders must employ 'strategic empathy' to anticipate their opponents' actions. This involves understanding the unique internal constraints and drivers that shape an enemy's decision processes, rather than relying on past behavior or assumptions. Shore uses historical case studies, including examples from Gustav Stresemann, Mahatma Gandhi, and Le Duan, to illustrate how leaders have successfully or failed to read their rivals' minds. The book highlights the importance of identifying pattern breaks in an enemy's behavior to gain insights into their true character and motivations, and it draws on research from cognitive sciences and multilingual, multinational sources to provide a comprehensive history of twentieth-century conflicts[1][3][5].

Strategy: A History

Sir Lawrence Freedman

In 'Strategy: A History,' Sir Lawrence Freedman provides a sweeping account of the development of strategic thinking. The book spans from the strategies practiced in primate groups and ancient mythology to the strategic theories of Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, and modern social scientists. It explores how strategy has evolved over time, influencing not only military affairs but also business culture, social movements, and even personal relationships. Freedman highlights the fluid and flexible nature of strategy, emphasizing the challenges posed by unpredictability and the need for continuous reappraisal of objectives. The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on different aspects and periods of strategic thinking, culminating in a critique of modern strategic theories and their limitations[2][5].

Dying Every Day

Seneca at the Court of Nero

James Romm

This book delves into the life of Seneca, a Stoic philosopher, as he navigated the complexities and dangers of serving as an advisor to the Roman Emperor Nero. It examines Seneca's philosophical writings and their relevance to his personal and political struggles, providing insights into the intersection of philosophy and politics in ancient Rome.

Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam

H. R. McMaster

In 'Dereliction of Duty,' H.R. McMaster provides a thorough and convincing analysis of how and why the United States became involved in the Vietnam War. The book is based on newly released transcripts and personal accounts of crucial meetings and decisions from 1963 to 1965. McMaster argues that domestic political considerations, rather than Cold War ideology, drove the failed strategy of graduated military pressure. He criticizes the actions of Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, General Maxwell Taylor, McGeorge Bundy, and other top aides for their arrogance, weakness, and deception of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Congress, and the American public. The book highlights the failure of the military leadership to provide honest advice and their complicity in supporting a flawed strategy[2][3][5].

History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides

Written by Thucydides, this work is a detailed and insightful historical account of the Peloponnesian War. It chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides outlines the historical context leading up to the war, tracing the evolution of Greek society and detailing the tensions and incidents that led to the conflict. The narrative examines key events, alliances, and the complex interplay of human ambition and political motivations during the war.

Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World

H. R. McMaster

In Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster describes the misconceived, inconsistent, and poorly implemented American foreign policy across multiple administrations since the end of the Cold War. He argues that this has led to America and the free world falling behind rivals in power and influence, while threats such as nuclear proliferation and jihadist terrorism have grown. McMaster provides a clear pathway forward to improve strategic competence and prevail in complex competitions against adversaries. The book is a groundbreaking reassessment of America’s place in the world, drawing from McMaster’s extensive experience and calling for citizens to transcend partisan discourse, educate themselves about significant security challenges, and work together to secure peace and prosperity for future generations.

Call Sign Chaos

Learning to Lead

Jim Mattis

Bing West

Call Sign Chaos is a memoir that chronicles General Jim Mattis's career from his early days as a Marine recruit to his role as a four-star general and Secretary of Defense. The book is divided into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership. Mattis recounts his foundational experiences, extracting lessons on warfighting, peacemaking, the importance of allies, and strategic dilemmas. He emphasizes the need for America to return to a strategic footing to avoid fighting inconclusive wars. The book offers a unique leadership philosophy developed through constant study and action, making it relevant for both military and civilian leaders.

First Principles

What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country

Thomas Ricks

In this book, Thomas E. Ricks explores the educations and classical knowledge of the first four American presidents—George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Ricks delves into how their different exposures to classical literature and philosophy, including works by Aristotle, Epicurus, and Cicero, influenced their ideals and the formation of the United States. The book follows these leaders from their youths to their adult lives, highlighting how their classical education shaped the country's constitution and government, and offers new insights into these legendary leaders.

On today’s episode, Ryan talks to Lt. General H.R. McMaster about why leaders must study history and philosophy, his book Dereliction of Duty about the controversial Vietnam war, Seneca’s complicated service for the emperor Nero, and more.

H.R. McMaster is a retired United States Army Lieutenant General who served as the 26th United States National Security Advisor. He is known for his roles in the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His book, Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World, was released in September 2020 and is an overview of the most critical foreign policy and national security challenges that face the United States in the modern age.

This episode is brought to you by Beekeeper’s Naturals, the company that’s reinventing your medicine with clean, effective products that actually work. Beekeepers Naturals has great products like Propolis Spray and B.LXR. As a listener of the Daily Stoic Podcast you can receive 15% off your first order. Just go to beekeepersnaturals.com/STOIC or use code STOIC at checkout to claim this deal.

This episode is brought to you by Blinkist, the app that gets you fifteen-minute summaries of the best nonfiction books out there. Blinkist lets you get the topline information and the most important points from the most important nonfiction books out there, whether it’s Ryan’s own The Daily Stoic, Yuval Harari’s Sapiens, and more. Go to blinkist.com/stoic, try it free for 7 days, and save 25% off your new subscription, too.

Policygenius helps you compare top insurers in one place, and it lets you save 50% or more on life insurance. Just go to policygenius.com to get started. Policygenius: when it comes to insurance, it’s nice to get it right.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Munk Pack, Keto Granola Bars that contain just a single gram of sugar and 2 to 3 net carbs—and they’re only 140 calories. Get 20% off your first purchase of ANY Munk Pack product by visiting munkpack.com and entering our code STOIC at checkout.

***

If you enjoyed this week’s podcast, we’d love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps with our visibility, and the more people listen to the podcast, the more we can invest into it and make it even better.

Follow @DailyStoic:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dailystoic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailystoic/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/dailystoic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dailystoic

Follow H.R. McMaster:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LTGHRMcMaster

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ltghrmcmaster

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.