Meditations on Violence

1. Violence is a Complex Landscape, Not a Monolithic Entity

Bar brawling experience is real and it is exactly what it is, but it won’t help you or even provide much insight into military operations or rape survival.

Violence is multifaceted. The book emphasizes that violence isn't a single, uniform phenomenon. It exists across a spectrum, from bar brawls to military combat, each with its own unique dynamics, skill sets, and mindsets. Experience in one area doesn't automatically translate to expertise in another.

Strategic matrix. The author introduces the concept of a "strategic matrix" to analyze different types of violence. This matrix considers factors like the level of surprise, acceptable damage, and the goals of the participants. By understanding these parameters, individuals can better prepare themselves for specific situations.

Different types of violence. The book distinguishes between various forms of violence, including duels, sports, combat (war), and assault. Each type requires a different approach, mindset, and skill set. For example, the implacable, predatory mindset of assault is unsuitable for a sporting competition, where fair play and sportsmanship are valued.

2. Assumptions are Dangerous; Epistemology is Key

Never, ever, ever delegate responsibility for your own safety.

Assumptions shape perception. The book warns against the dangers of making assumptions about violence, especially when those assumptions are based on irrelevant comparisons or unreliable sources. Assumptions can create blind spots and lead to ineffective or even dangerous responses.

Examine your epistemology. The author stresses the importance of examining one's own epistemology, or how one decides what is true. This involves critically evaluating the sources of knowledge about violence, including personal experience, tradition, entertainment, and the word of experts.

Personal experience. The book emphasizes the importance of trusting one's own experience, even when it contradicts conventional wisdom or expert opinion. However, it also cautions against letting personal experience override common sense or critical thinking.

3. The Chemical Cocktail Alters Reality

Hopefully your particular art has given you the physical tools needed to affect your self-defense.

Stress hormones affect mind and body. The book explores the physiological and psychological effects of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, on the body and mind during a violent encounter. These effects can include tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, distorted perception, and impaired motor skills.

Adapting to the chemical cocktail. The book offers advice on how to adapt to the chemical cocktail, including recognizing the different stages of adrenalization and developing conditioned responses to common stimuli. It also stresses the importance of training in realistic conditions that simulate the stress and chaos of a real attack.

Optimum mindset. The book discusses the importance of developing an optimal mindset for dealing with violence. This mindset involves a combination of awareness, focus, and controlled aggression. It also requires the ability to overcome fear and surprise and to act decisively in the face of danger.

4. Predators Exploit Weakness, Not Strength

Threats ain’t normal folks.

Criminals are not like us. The book emphasizes that criminals, especially predators, are not like normal people. They have different motivations, values, and thought processes. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective self-defense.

Types of criminals. The book identifies several types of criminals, including those who made a mistake, hustlers, and predators. Each type requires a different approach. For example, hustlers are often motivated by addiction and may be deterred by a show of force, while predators are more calculating and may require a more aggressive response.

Rationalizations. The book explores the rationalizations that criminals use to justify their actions. These rationalizations can range from blaming the victim to claiming that they are not "real" criminals. Understanding these rationalizations can help individuals identify potential threats and avoid becoming victims.

5. Training Must Mimic Reality, Not Fantasy

You don’t get to pick what kinds of bad things will happen to you.

Flaws in training. The book identifies several common flaws in martial arts training, including unrealistic expectations, unsafe techniques, and reliance on tradition over experience. These flaws can create bad habits and leave individuals unprepared for the realities of violence.

Training for the real world. The book offers advice on how to adapt training to the realities of violence, including incorporating surprise attacks, working from positions of disadvantage, and training with realistic weapons and scenarios. It also stresses the importance of developing a "go" button and being prepared to act decisively.

OODA loop. The book introduces the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) as a framework for understanding decision-making in combat. It also offers advice on how to exploit the OODA loop to gain an advantage over an attacker.

6. The Golden Rule of Combat: Maximize Advantage

Your most powerful weapon applied to your opponent’s greatest vulnerability at his time of maximum imbalance.

Power generation. The book emphasizes the importance of generating maximum power in a violent encounter. This involves using proper body mechanics, leveraging gravity and body weight, and using tools or weapons when available.

Targeting. The book stresses the importance of targeting vulnerable areas of the body, such as the eyes, throat, groin, and knees. It also cautions against relying on pain compliance techniques, which may not work on individuals under the influence of drugs or mental illness.

Timing. The book emphasizes the importance of acting decisively and without hesitation in a violent encounter. This involves recognizing the "go" button and being prepared to attack when the opportunity arises.

7. Aftermath: Acknowledging the Psychological Toll

Violence is bigger than me.

Violence leaves scars. The book acknowledges the psychological toll that violence can take on both victims and perpetrators. It stresses the importance of seeking counseling and support after a violent encounter.

Dealing with the aftermath. The book offers advice on how to deal with the aftereffects of violence, including managing stress, processing emotions, and rebuilding trust. It also stresses the importance of seeking professional help if needed.

The importance of support. The book emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system after a violent encounter. This can include family, friends, counselors, and other survivors.

8. The Big Three: Awareness, Initiative, and Permission

Simply put Meditations on Violence tells the truth.

Awareness. The book emphasizes the importance of developing a heightened sense of awareness of one's surroundings, potential threats, and one's own capabilities and limitations. This involves paying attention to body language, recognizing pre-assault cues, and understanding the dynamics of different types of violence.

Initiative. The book stresses the importance of taking the initiative in a violent encounter. This involves acting decisively and without hesitation, even when faced with fear or uncertainty. It also involves being prepared to use whatever force is necessary to protect oneself or others.

Permission. The book emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to act in a violent encounter. This involves overcoming moral or ethical objections to violence and being prepared to do whatever is necessary to survive. It also involves recognizing that self-defense is not about playing fair, but about protecting oneself from harm.

Last updated: February 28, 2025