Guest Frederick Downs, author of 'The Killing Zone,' discusses the moral dilemma in war, frustrations of learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the importance of checking ego in interviews. Also explores the fear of failure and overcoming it, as well as the concept of extreme ownership. Support the podcast through sponsorship and learn self-defense.
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Quick takeaways
The blurred line between good and evil, right and wrong in war and the challenges soldiers face in maintaining their humanity while being trained to kill.
The strategic impact of tactical actions and the need for leaders to understand the gravity of their decisions.
The psychological toll of war on soldiers and the conflicting emotions they experience, from the desire to kill to the struggle to reconcile their actions with their morals.
The risks and challenges of splitting forces during combat and the importance of maintaining unity and support within a unit for effective command and control.
The importance of embracing the challenges and frustrations in jiu-jitsu, selecting compatible training partners, and enjoying the learning process.
Deep dives
The Challenges of War and Human Morality
In the Jocko Podcast episode, the speaker highlights the blurred line between good and evil, right and wrong, light and dark in times of war. He discusses the dichotomy of leadership and the challenges soldiers face in maintaining their humanity while being trained to kill. The speaker also reflects on the moral dilemmas encountered in the battlefield and the immense responsibility of commanders for their troops.
The Impact of Tactical Actions
The speaker emphasizes that tactical actions can have strategic impact, citing examples like the My Lai massacre in Vietnam and the prisoner mistreatment in Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. He acknowledges the strategic consequences of such actions and the need for leaders to understand the gravity of their decisions.
The Psychological Toll of War
The podcast explores the psychological toll of war on soldiers, as they witness and participate in acts of violence. It delves into the conflicting emotions soldiers experience, from the desire to kill the enemy to the struggle to reconcile their actions with their morals. The podcast also touches on the erosion of humanity and the dehumanization of the enemy that can occur in the heat of battle.
The Consequences of Splitting Forces
The episode reveals the risks and challenges of splitting forces during combat. It highlights the importance of maintaining unity and support within a unit to ensure effective command and control. The speaker shares a personal experience where dividing the platoon during an operation resulted in a friendly fire incident, underscoring the need for caution and coordination when maneuvering separate elements in the battlefield.
The Importance of Learning to Fight in Jiu-Jitsu
Learning how to fight in jiu-jitsu is a crucial aspect that provides real confidence and security. Knowing how to fight leads to a sense of calmness and a lack of insecurity. It helps in avoiding unnecessary fights and challenges. Jiu-jitsu also offers a heightened level of awareness, making you more attentive to your surroundings. It's beneficial for both men and women, providing practical self-defense skills. Although frustrations may arise in the beginning stages of jiu-jitsu, it's important to embrace the journey and enjoy the learning process.
Overcoming the Frustrations of Beginning Jiu-Jitsu
Starting jiu-jitsu can be frustrating, especially with the realization of how easily others can dominate you. Understanding that progress takes time and that it's a long journey is important. Selecting compatible training partners and enjoying the experiences are essential to overcoming frustrations. Embracing the challenges, observing the progress made over time, and remembering that jiu-jitsu should be a fun and enjoyable experience will help you persevere and continue growing in the sport.
Embrace the Challenges and Strive for Progress
Embrace the challenges that come with your goals and see them as opportunities to grow and improve. Whether it's in Jiu Jitsu or in life, the more you train, practice, and learn, the better you will get. Don't let frustrations and obstacles get you down; instead, view them as necessary parts of the journey towards your goals.
Stay Humble and Respect Others' Skills
No matter how skilled or accomplished you are in one area, always remember that there is always someone better than you in some other aspect. Stay humble and respect the skills and accomplishments of others. Recognize that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and that true success comes from collaboration and supporting each other.
Fear Failure, but Be Terrified of Inaction
While fear of failure can be paralyzing, it is also a motivating factor that drives you to prepare and be the best you can be. Don't try to overcome the fear of failure; embrace it and let it drive you towards success. Rather than being afraid of failing, be terrified of wasting time and not making progress towards your goals. Take action, take risks, and don't let another day slip by without working towards what you want to achieve.
0:00:00 - Opening 0:0:3:13 - "The Killing Zone", by Frederick Downs - Book review 1:27:48 - Internet / Onnit Stuff 1:41:07 - Is Fighting ability the most overlooked essential stabilizer in the young male psyche? 1:58:01 - Frustrations of beginning Jiu Jitsu 2:11:41 - Checking ego while Talking about yourself in an interview 2:16:02 - Staying humble when you know you have better skills than others. 2:27:15 - When 2 leaders have Extreme Ownership have to go against each other. 2:35:06 - Overcoming Fear of Failure
