Even if there’s an underlying order to all of existence, it seems readily evident that we can be placed in such a depth of darkness that this underlying order becomes inconsequential.  (If you don’t want to comb through historic atrocities, you could always watch “Bone Tomahawk.”)

However, what seems to consistently lift the spirit is when someone honestly assesses their present situation, and does what they can to improve their lot.  The idea of a worthy challenge that one can conquer (even if it it’s small) apparently will generate solace in the darkest of circumstances.  This seems to be supported by psychology, as well as anecdotes of prisoners and documented horrors.  

This simplifies things for me; it shifts my focus away from proving some grand truth, and to the immediate question of “What do I do now, with what I’ve got in front of me?”

Simplicity is synonymous with an intellectual comfort zone.  It is insufficient to stay in the realm of what is already known, for we would never learn anything new.  I admire the one who ventures into the wilds of complex phenomena, and through the strength of their perception and discipline, makes good on their predictions by using tangible results to vanquish confusion.

The beauty of honest assessment (accurately perceiving where you stand in relation to your goals) is that it allows for the possibility of a flexible strategy, even one that is outwardly “dishonest.”  (Deception, after all, is common in war).  

This is of the utmost importance in formulating plans and structures.  Otherwise, the foundation of effort becomes severely compromised at a fundamental level.

Knowing when to break/bend the rules is a function of clear perception; one must know the intent behind those rules, why they were established, and in what instances they fail.

Without that clarity, a rule-breaker is just as ineffective as a tradition-bound tyrant.

Apply known principles to unknown frontiers, and not only will you build a solid scaffolding with which you can manage greater levels of chaos and reap greater levels of reward, you’ll blaze a path forged from logic and example so that others can follow.

In many cases, people only change in the face of discomfort—when an external pressure incentivizes them to try something new, or shift their perspective.  We have that in common with animals and machines:  an outside force is fairly effective at causing us to adopt a new method.  But as humans, we possess the amazing potential to look beyond immediate desires and think strategically; we can hunt down our ignorances and vanquish them BEFORE they become problems.  If we possess any free will at all, we can—through discipline and strategy—aspire to become masters of life, rather than its servants.

Running from problems works incredibly well—right up to the point where you tire, slip, and your accumulated pursuers pile upon you.   

Personally, I think it’s better—though it might be inconvenient—to confront a problem when it’s still small.   The other way—confronting it after it’s grown into a raging monster—is utterly exhausting.

We’ve all seen it—as the years pile on, a lot of people use their experience and knowledge to become more and more reactive, paralyzed by anything that appears to be the least bit strange, unable to take risks or act with audacity.  That’s their choice and it’s neither good nor bad.  Personally, however, I prefer using the knowledge I’ve gained to become PROACTIVE, and if I have to react, use all my mental tools to defeat or mitigate adversity so I can retake the initiative, and keep attempting to propagate positive results.