An Unyielding Size Remains Unaffected By Any Quantity Of This Substance
In a recent turn of events, Ryan Holiday's lecture at the U.S. Naval Academy was unexpectedly canceled an hour before it was due to begin, igniting a heated debate about censorship and free speech. The lecture, which can be watched on Holiday's YouTube channel, delves into the importance of reading critically and the effort required to cultivate wisdom.
The cancellation was prompted by Holiday's planned remarks about banned books, a topic that has been a subject of controversy. Ryan Holiday shared his honest, real-time reaction to the cancellation on his personal YouTube channel.
The incident has brought to light the ongoing debate about the boundaries of free speech, a discussion that was also the focus of a lecture, an op-ed, and Holiday's personal reaction. These discussions underscore the importance of critical thinking and the need to separate beauty from virtue, as one can be physically attractive but make questionable choices.
Meanwhile, the actions of Pete Hegseth, the current Secretary of Defense, have been under scrutiny in relation to the incident. However, a thorough search of available information has revealed that Hegseth's tenure as Secretary of Defense has primarily focused on military and departmental reforms. There is no substantiated record of him using his power for book censorship or the persecution of individuals based on their sexual orientation.
Despite his position as the head of the most lethal and respected military in the world's history, it is important to remember that power does not inherently make a person powerful. It often reveals their weaknesses and insecurities. As history has shown us, even those in positions of authority, such as emperors, billionaires, celebrities, and commanders, can still be small people.
The greatest Stoics, such as Cato, Marcus Aurelius, and Admiral Stockdale, were admired not for their rank or office, but for their character, treatment of people, principles, and self-command. It is these qualities that we should strive to emulate, rather than succumbing to the lure of power and the potential for abuse that comes with it.
For those interested in reading more about the issue of censorship, Ryan Holiday's New York Times op-ed on the subject is available. It serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of free speech and critical thinking in our society.
The cancellation of Ryan Holiday's lecture sparked a debate about the controversial topic of book censorship, part of the larger discourse on free speech that encompasses his YouTube lecture, a related op-ed, and Holiday's personal reactions. In the wake of the incident, the boundary between free speech and censorship remains a subject of ongoing discussion, particularly in the context of politics and general news. The importance of critical thinking, as emphasized by Holiday, becomes more relevant in separating beauty from virtue, especially in the face of crime and justice or personal growth and education-and-self-development.
