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General Ty Seidule On Our Responsibility To Study, Understand And Grapple With History

The Daily Stoic

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Embrace Uncomfortable Truths and Original Ideas

Embracing uncomfortable truths and original ideas is a mark of strength, as illustrated by the heroic story of James Stockdale. Stockdale's experience at the Hanoi Hilton, where he delved into Epictetus' writings and studied communism, showcases the power of being well-versed in diverse ideologies. Rather than being weakened by studying challenging concepts, true strength lies in engaging with primary texts and forming a deep understanding of different viewpoints. The notion that studying original ideas makes one woke or weak is debunked by Stockdale's example of facing discomfort head-on and engaging in debates with his captors on communism. The true weakness lies in avoiding challenging ideas, preventing oneself from growth and learning.

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