WWB Trainer
WWB Takeaways
How we ought to act, and why our choices matter.
MODE:
~
5 minutes
of takeaways.
10 takeaways. Ten complete ideas.
1.
From History: Born 1864.
Lived from 1864 to 1920, aged 56 years.
Max Weber showed that people obey authority not because it is morally right, but because it appears legitimate within a recognized structure. As societies modernize, authority shifts from persons to systems. The rules, offices, and procedures make obedience feel responsible even for immoral actions.
2.
From History: Born 1879.
Lived from 1879 to 1950, aged 70
Clarity begins when we remember that our beliefs are models, not reality itself. When we hold our maps lightly — testing, refining, and revising them — we think more clearly and argue less blindly.
3.
Quote:
- Hannah Arendt.
- 1963.
From History:
Arendt warned that history’s worst outcomes are rarely driven by monsters. They are driven by ordinary people who surrender judgment. When obedience replaces moral thinking, cruelty no longer feels like a choice—it feels like routine.
4.
Quote:
- Epictetus.
- 108 CE.
Emotional resilience is about developing the ability to withstand and adapt to life’s challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. According to Stoic thought, our emotional reactions stem primarily from our beliefs, judgments, and thoughts about events, rather than the events themselves. By managing your emotions more effectively, you can minimize the negative impact of adversity.
5.
Quote:
- King Shuruppak.
- 2600 BCE.
This short instruction is from the Instructions of Shuruppak. King Shuruppak’s timeless advice against arrogance and hatred offers profound insight into the enduring human struggle for ethical conduct. These ancient words remind us of the importance of humility, respect, and compassion in building harmonious societies.
6.
While existential authenticity is often associated with Western philosophy, its roots can be traced back to Eastern thought, particularly in Daoism’s concept of Ziran. This ancient idea emphasizes living naturally, in harmony with one’s true self, aligning closely with Western notions of authenticity. Both traditions suggest that the pursuit of authenticity transcends cultures, inviting individuals to live in accordance with their most genuine selves. Modern existentialism translated an ancient insight into a world stripped of shared meaning.
7.
Riding the Wild Horse: Life’s journey is an unpredictable, often absurd ride, but if you embrace your freedom and choose an authentic path, whether that path is through managing anxiety, forging your own meaning, or a rebellion against despair, you can find strength and purpose amidst the chaos.
8.
TST Ethics is a layered approach to moral life. It uses fairness to guide human flourishing—biological, psychological, social, and structural—while constrained by harm and reality. Good intent, informed by past results, reveals responsibility. Responsibility is a weighted calibration that excludes nothing.
9.
You cannot grow from denial. Accept your nature, your limits, your circumstances, and the changing world around you. Acceptance is not surrender; it is clarity. Once you begin with reality instead of resistance, you gain the freedom to refine, adjust, and strive toward better alignment. Flourishing begins where honesty begins.
“Done.” Refresh for another set.
WWB Trainer
(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
