Longing: A lonely heart can be filled by someone, but a longing heart is a heart that cannot be filled by ‘the particular person.’ When the mind feels strange, it is important to first determine whether the feeling stems from a lack of self-generated needs or from not being filled by the object of longing. Loneliness can progress easily, but longing carries a high risk of self-destruction if not handled carefully. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Paradoxically, one of the reasons for Rome’s demise was that it kept winning wars. Victories expanded the empire’s territory, and the risks increased proportionally. Men, primarily middle-class men, volunteered as soldiers; the larger the territory, the longer the wars lasted, and the longer it took for them to return home. The women who remained at home were forced to borrow labor and became indebted to the nobility. Eventually, the women were sold into slavery, and by the time the men returned, their families had disintegrated. People don’t betray because they’re evil, but because it increases their risk. If the territory you’re in grows, you might reconsider your loyalties to the organization. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”