The Pendulum Predicts a Bumpy Ride – Part II

Considering how it might play out

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own […]

The Pendulum Predicts a Bumpy Ride – Part I

Comparing the authors' predictions in light of current conditions

 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18 (NIV) In a recent post, I summarized the message of Roy H. Williams and Michael Drew’s book Pendulum: How Past Generations Shape Our Present and Predict Our Future. You really should read the post and get […]

Why the next six years could be sporty

Whether you call it the Pendulum or The Fourth Turning, it looks like rough sledding

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere   The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst   Are full of passionate intensity.”  – W. B. Yeats from The Second Coming I recently read and re-read Roy H. […]

When Your Only Tool Is a Hammer…

The devaluation of useful words through overuse

“When your only tool is a hammer, all the world looks like a nail.” – Ancient Proverb A note from your host: I considered writing this as an open-letter to my fictional  twentysomething nephew. My reasoning was that my intentions might be more apparent if I was expressing these thoughts in a relational context — […]

More Thoughts on Security

Cultivate an unshakeable frame

“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you…” -Kipling In my previous post, I explained that security is a dynamic property. By that I meant that although one can receive security from his parents and his upbringing,  one must not simply seek security for its […]

Yes, You Need Security, But…

Is it better to be safe or sorry?

“Life is pain, anyone who says differently is selling something.” – William Goldman, The Princess Bride Over the past several weeks we’ve been elaborating on the emotional and psychological needs articulated by Robert Ardrey in his book The Territorial Imperative. Those needs are Identity, Stimulation, and Security. In the various posts on these subjects we’ve […]

Why It Pays to Be a Free Agent

Don't lend your name to every trendy cause

“My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point […]

What Gladiators, Activists, and FOMO Have in Common

Feeding the craving for stimulation

“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of […]