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the Stockdale Paradox was named after Admiral Jim Stockdale, who spent eight years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He was tortured more than twenty times during his imprisonment from 1965 to 1973. In addition to fighting to stay alive, he worked every day to help the other prisoners survive the physical and emotional torment. When he interviewed

Brené Brown • Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot (Hoover Institution Press Publication Book 431)

James B. Stockdale

amazon.com

Cover of Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot (Hoover Institution Press Publication Book 431)

I never lost faith in the end of the story, I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.” He was then asked, Who didn’t make it out of Vietnam? “Oh, that’s easy,” Stockdale said. “The optimists. Oh, they... See more

John W. Gardner's Address at Stanford's 100th Commencement Ceremony

John W. Gardner gardnercenter.stanford.edu

In a controversial speech by Lee Kuan Yew who served as the Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 – 1990, he has a really great line about conviction: “I ignore polling as a method of government. I think that shows a certain weakness of mind, an inability to chart a course. Whichever way the wind blows. Whichever way... See more

SENATOR TIM SHEEHY: How many genders are there? HEGSETH: Two. SHEEHY: I know that well, I'm a "she-he (Sheehy)." What is the diameter of a rifle round fired out of an M4A1? HEGSETH: 5.56. SHEEHY: How many pushups can you... See more

Eric Daugherty x.com

In a time like this, neither more intelligence nor more willpower is enough. What’s needed is what philosophy has always claimed to love: Wisdom—the meta-value that helps you find your way, and the way.— Peter Limberg

As a coping strategy the ‘Stockdale Paradox’ teaches us that we should never confuse faith that we will prevail in the end – which we can never afford to lose – with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of our current reality, whatever they might be.

Ross Edgley • The Art of Resilience: Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body

9. Stockdale Paradox:

The optimal state of mind is neither optimism, which leaves you unprepared for adversity, nor pessimism, which destroys motivation, but optimistic pessimism: by preparing for the worst outcomes, you increase confidence in dealing with any outcome, and thus, you increase hope.