How much energy are you wasting? Plenty of people put all their passion in the wrong places, and think they’re powerful for it. What’s more powerful than hatred? One of my favorite anime series, Dragon Ball, follows a group of extraterrestrial humanoids called Saiyans who have the ability to “power up” and morph into more powerful forms after becoming angry. As humans, we often naturally associate fighters with strength and solidity. But how much is truly worth fighting for? There’s no doubt in my mind that the next stage of human evolution would involve universal intelligence increases, elevating everyone’s overall psychological processing abilities. If people were smarter, they’d take things more seriously, avoid conflict more, circumvent offensive actions more, be more compassionate, handle emotions more maturely, and just live more peacefully. Ultimately, the last thing we need more of right now is fighters without a cause. Dragon Ball’s primary protagonist is named Goku, and he’s a puerile, petty, sometimes pathetic, always primed for battle, pretty powerful character. Goku has died and been resurrected multiple times because he literally can’t turn down a challenge, he never fails to find a foe more formidable than he is, and he has a tendency to make selfless sacrifices. His friends, family, and fellow fighters are fond of fathoming Goku as the worthiest warrior in the multiverse, but he’s always getting his ass whooped—even though he becomes less susceptible after each defeat. Unfortunately for us, humans don’t have Dragon Balls to summon magical dragons with mythical powers that can turn back the hands of time, there aren’t any magical Senzu Beans that can instantly heal our wounds, and many of us don’t even have helpers to assist in fighting our battles. So, it’s in our best interest to avoid both the goofy-ass Gokus and frightening Friezas of the world. By the way, Frieza is one of Goku’s oldest opps—a small, androgynous alien with a feminine voice and a royally fucked-up attitude. If you must hate something enough to fight to the death against it, why not hate the idea of wasting your energy to the point where your life force is totally depleted? Do you think it’s possible to defeat yourself? If hatred is the most powerful motivator for fighters, it would make sense for self-hatred to be the biggest contributor to defeatism. Defeatists basically plan on and readily accept failure. The issue I’ve always had with the phrase “failure is not an option” is the fact that it’s hyperbolic and unrealistic. In fact, failure is inescapable. On the flip side, refusing to allow slip-ups and setbacks to stop you from succeeding is sustainable if you’re steadily optimistic. Even the saying “winners never quit” is pushing the limits of realism, right? To keep it simple, believing that you can’t fail is only setting yourself up for disappointment, which will eventually discourage you from trying if you don’t understand that getting up after every fall just makes the anticipation of falling less scary. If you’re always prepared to pick yourself up, nothing can keep you down. There’s a psychology behind affirmations. If a statement like “refuse to lose” is meant to be an affirmation, meaning an expression of encouragement, its implication isn’t inherently encouraging, as it insinuates that one should see losing as an impossibility. Affirmations are supposed to be a refreshing reminder to stay positive, perseverant, and persistent in one’s pursuit of prosperity. But amid loss and letdown, being reminded of the undesirable and unfavorable nature of losing just isn’t helpful. Like I always say, proactivity—staying ready so you never have to get ready—is the perfect practice to preclude the potential for painful privation. Also, don’t be ashamed to avoid taking risks. The easiest way to prevent a loss is to decline participation in the contesting of your abilities. You have the right to choose your battles, and only choosing battles that you’re sure you can win—like Floyd Mayweather did his entire career—is simply smart.
For the record, my patience and silence isn’t “meekness,” it’s mercy—even if only momentary. Dominance can be as self-destructive as self-hatred. And believing that you’re invincible can quickly lead to the deadly demonstration of your mortality. Remember, even in the anime world, Goku is the strongest fighter on Earth, but he’s died four times and is constantly meeting defeat. There’s a lot that it would greatly benefit humans to unlearn. Brute force and belligerence, though historically warrior-like, are literally the least “strong” actions of truly mentally fortified fighters. The strongest people endure with ease, and they’re not easily bothered or broken. Deviating a bit, do you believe there’s a difference between annoyance and anger? Personally, I’m quicker annoyed than angered, but I acknowledge that the reactions and responses to the two can be similar or identical. To be absolutely unaffected by everything would definitely indicate a repressive lack of emotion that would inhibit one’s ability to effectively react or respond to life’s most affecting situations. I’m about to be vaguely vulnerable, which I know is cringe to some of you, which makes it my honor. There are people out there who know what I’ve been through, are aware of what I’m going through, and are confounded by the fact that I’m not somewhere balled up in the fetal position balling like a baby. If we’re all fighters, with some being stronger and more skilled than others, where would that strength and those skills come from? I’ve gotten so used to emotional injuries that they don’t hurt anymore, but I still feel them. If I were to react or respond like an infirm, inept fighter, I’d lose. And I’m a source of inspiration because it’s evident that I outclass everyone who challenges me. It’s not that it isn’t as bad as it seems, it’s that I’m good at dealing with bad things. Intelligence is indisputably an ally. Moving on, how much trauma have you caused other people? And please, don’t lie to your-motherfucking-self! Invalidating other people’s feelings, or attempting to manipulate people’s feelings through oppression or coercion, just adds to an aggressor or abuser’s violations. Are apologies an admission of guilt? Anyhoo, because I have integrity and inner peace, if I’ve ever caused you any trauma, I apologize. If you make it through your entire life without ever fucking up, you’re a motherfucking liar, period! I don’t even want to be around anyone who pretends to be perfect, but I also won’t mingle with malevolent or maniacal motherfuckers. Finding a merry medium is essential, especially around the holidays. Like I always say, if everybody were being honest, the truth wouldn’t be so taboo. And the truth is, people are fighting furiously to stay fake and make their facades last forever. But I say fuck that! However, I’d like to lighten up the mood a little. How often do you make something all about you? In my opinion, one of the most consequential conflicts that causes crazy confusion is people’s propensity for crossing boundaries. Shit, as much as I hate repeating myself, my tolerance for repetition is redeemed every time I remember how reassuring reminders are—especially for retards. Nah, we need to bring the “r” word back, for sure. And if you’re offended, I’m almost certain that I’m “on the spectrum,” so it is what it is. Shout-out to all my fellow self-proclaimed “geniuses.” Nevertheless, outrage against the colorful use of language is an excellent example of how effortlessly uneased entitled people are. Honestly, what can you do to stop people from saying shit? And if you appreciate having the right to speak freely, why don’t you respect others’ right to do so—regardless of how you feel about what they’re saying? Y’all are too busy fighting the wrong fights for your efforts to strengthen you. The biggest battles are brutal, and the toughest titans toil to triumph. Remember, pick your battles wisely, but easy wins don’t build beasts. Peace.