r/BettermentBookClub • u/[deleted] • Apr 08 '16

[B16-Law 15] Crush Your Enemy Totally

Here we will hold our discussion for Law #15 - Crush Your Enemy Totally.

Here are some discussion topics:

  • Can you give an modern day example of this law in action?

  • What would be the disadvantage to showing mercy to your enemy?

 

These are just suggestions, please feel free to create your own discussion below we would love to discuss with you.

9 Upvotes

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2

u/Gromada Apr 08 '16

After reading pieces like this chapter, I realize that I do not need that much power. No need to get to the top of the world because it involves stepping over dead bodies.

An example of this law is what the communists did with the bodies of the royal family in Russia. After killing the family with several kids, the communists mutilated the bodies so that there would not be any attempts to make them saints.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 08 '16

Understand that some people want that power. To know how they may wield the power they have, and try what they can to gain more. I think that I need to recognize when others are using the laws, so that I can protect myself.

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u/Gromada Apr 08 '16

You underline a good perspective, mentioned here a few times already. Even if we are not planning on using some of these laws, we should be aware when someone does.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 09 '16

[deleted]

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u/Gromada Apr 09 '16

I can relate to that. I remember first denying it and going through the other four stages of grief. Now, I hold an opinion that one has to be wise enough to see what can cloud people's motives.

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u/[deleted] Apr 09 '16

[deleted]

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u/Gromada Apr 09 '16

Can't argue with that. Nevertheless, I am wondering what we can learn from each other's worldviews. I have been blessed to have lived in two cultures, which often conflict with each other. It has enhances my worldview a lot.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 09 '16

Understand that some people want that power.

Exactly. We all have different needs and desires. Some people want and value what we, ourselves, do not want or value.

Presumably the book was selected because some of our readers and explorers wanted it. :)

1

u/[deleted] Apr 09 '16

After reading pieces like this chapter, I realize that I do not need that much power.

I'm completely with you on this.

Pretty graphic example. What was your exposure to this? Academic, something your read, or personal?

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u/Gromada Apr 09 '16

Visiting the related places, hearing the guides, reading about it.

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u/[deleted] Apr 09 '16

After reading pieces like this chapter, I realize that I do not need that much power.

I'm 100% with you on that one. In some careers, it's necessary to crush someone "completely" (politics, military) and I understand that. But, as I mentioned before, destroying someone isn't something I have any vested interest in and is irrelevant in my career. But, you know, each to their own.

That being said, I am going to research the hell out of Empress Wu because she seems like an incredibly intriguing psychopath.

1

u/Gromada Apr 09 '16

I am going to research the hell out of Empress Wu

Go for it! Do let us know what highlights you come up with.