MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009
The writings of Aristotle and Sun Tzu have had a significant influence on my prison term. Their wisdom has lasted for centuries and has helped me embrace the concept of introspection. Only through introspection have I been able to learn how and why my life as an executive fell askew.
Sun Tzu was a military strategist who preserved his ideas through The Art of War, a book he wrote that has been around for more than 2,000 years. Sun Tzu advises one to know thy enemy. It took some time for me to understand that the enemy does not always have to be a who. In my case, the enemy was a miserable and unfulfilled career that led to troubles with the criminal justice system.
Aristotle taught the lesson know thyself. He wrote that the unexamined life was not worth living. He suggested for a man to reach his highest potential, he really had to understand himself, to know the values of his life. Only by knowing what was important to him would he set a balanced strategy in place that would lead him to personal fulfillment.
I've learned many valuable lessons from prison. I'm thankful I'm able to share those lessons through my blog. Through eight months in prison no lesson has proved greater than know thyself and know thy enemy. I encourage everyone to apply these profound messages in their own lives.
