Great interview, Benjamin! I've been a huge fan Sebastian's work for many years. Love reading his TRANSITION experience. I loved the Cape Cod fella's quote of "Finding the infinite in the Minutia". Powerful advice. Thanks to Sebastian for sharing that nugget of wisdom, and thanks to you for hosting these conversations!
Another amazing and insightful article. Great advice that can be applied to all walks of life. Thanks for staying dedicated to these TRANSITION interviews! My guess is that these articles mean a lot to a lot of folks.
"Most things that are adaptive feel good - because they aid in our survival."
So true. I've heard our emotions called "the song of the genes" letting us know when we're on/off track of our survival program. This includes generosity toward others, a "spiritual" perspective and courage among other "virtues".
Just explored a bit of your Substack Benjamin. Very powerful and important matters. I have done some work on career transitions, a lot with physicians whose work at times can feel like a battlefield. Your noting that the transition from the intensity of military service to something else can take a very long time makes me think you might find something in this piece of mine:
I loved this interview. Sebastian Junger is one of my literary heroes. Like him, I grew up in a leafy white neighborhood. Then I became a Navy SEAL. After getting out, I settled into a wealthy neighborhood in California where nobody talked to anybody. I was miserable. Now I live in a Houston apartment building for seniors, where everybody talks to everybody. Social interaction is the key to long-term happiness... and it doesn't have to be retired military pals.
Excellent and powerful interview. I am new to your blog, but loving it. His perspective on why the transition is so difficult helped me understand so much better. Thank you!
Great interview, Benjamin! I've been a huge fan Sebastian's work for many years. Love reading his TRANSITION experience. I loved the Cape Cod fella's quote of "Finding the infinite in the Minutia". Powerful advice. Thanks to Sebastian for sharing that nugget of wisdom, and thanks to you for hosting these conversations!
Oh thanks man! i appreciate you reading and appreciate you saying that.
Another amazing and insightful article. Great advice that can be applied to all walks of life. Thanks for staying dedicated to these TRANSITION interviews! My guess is that these articles mean a lot to a lot of folks.
Thank you James. I always really appreciate you reading.
Well done Ben! Some great advice and perspective in this one.
Thanks Marc. Means a lot.
"Most things that are adaptive feel good - because they aid in our survival."
So true. I've heard our emotions called "the song of the genes" letting us know when we're on/off track of our survival program. This includes generosity toward others, a "spiritual" perspective and courage among other "virtues".
That’s right, I’ve never thought of it that way. Thanks for the add Baird.
Just explored a bit of your Substack Benjamin. Very powerful and important matters. I have done some work on career transitions, a lot with physicians whose work at times can feel like a battlefield. Your noting that the transition from the intensity of military service to something else can take a very long time makes me think you might find something in this piece of mine:
https://medium.com/@bairdbrightman/the-tragic-end-of-a-career-180a9afac553
I have subscribed to The Transition and will read some of your essays and comment if the spirit moves. Cheers.
Hey Baird - I've done the same over on Medium. I really appreciate your subscription and reading. Stay in touch please and I'll be reading along.
I loved this interview. Sebastian Junger is one of my literary heroes. Like him, I grew up in a leafy white neighborhood. Then I became a Navy SEAL. After getting out, I settled into a wealthy neighborhood in California where nobody talked to anybody. I was miserable. Now I live in a Houston apartment building for seniors, where everybody talks to everybody. Social interaction is the key to long-term happiness... and it doesn't have to be retired military pals.
Always happy when I find out you’ve read these. Social interaction is key and often under valued. Be well Paul.
Awesome interview, Ben! Great job drawing out valuable insights from Sebastian on writing, veterans, and community.
I was privileged to hear Sebastian speak back in 2010 during a small lecture at the Naval Academy when he was launching his book “War”.
I’m looking forward to reading more from you!
Oh man I really appreciate that and appreciate you reading. Be in touch Zach.
Excellent and powerful interview. I am new to your blog, but loving it. His perspective on why the transition is so difficult helped me understand so much better. Thank you!
I really appreciate that. Work in progress.
It’s undeniable… thanks for reading