Day 17:
I read this this morning in a book about philosophy and Game of Thrones:
“Despite his vagueness about the meaning of virtù, Machiavelli is very clear on one point: Virtù is not the same as virtue. Virtue is usually associated with moral qualities. A virtuous person is one who is honest, courageous, and loyal. A person with virtù can display each of these qualities, but only when they are useful. Those with virtù often appear to be virtuous only because this appearance makes it easier for them to take and hold power. Being morally virtuous can actually be a hindrance, as it may prevent one from doing what is necessary to gain an advantage over opponents.”
This distinction resonated deeply with my interpretation of EmpB.
One thing I’ve been going back and forth about is what type of empire should I build?
I was once talking to a young multi-millionaire many years ago. He had inherited a manufacturing company with 100 employees. He also had real estate holdings and he was telling me about scale and he gave the example of his friend who made over $250 million a year with a staff of four people total.
That always stuck with me. There’s a part of me that wants to provide tons of opportunity for people and at the same time guard myself from having too many people around me. Despite posting a subliminal journal online, I’m a very private person. I prefer to operate outside of the limelight. For this maybe a limiting belief, but I’ve always felt that I could be more effective behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera.
I would prefer to be like the trillion dollar coach. A man who few have ever heard of and yet he was the professional coach to CEOs and founders of some of silicon valleys biggest companies. I want to be the “if you know you know” person of influence. I don’t want fame in terms of the general population, but I will be well known among those who need to know.
