what i learned today

Conversations with Greats 1
On the art of war
a. He explicitly mentioned the importance to know the enemy its personality and weakness, an aphorism that Sun Tzu extols in his book the art of war. Through that knowledge, you now have the strategic advantage to attack their weakness. But always put in mind, attack not the person but attack their actions or ideas. Attack strategies come in a trinity; the manner, the matter and the method. Use these three as a battering ram.
b. In the context of debate, have the daily practice of mentally arguing with the self. Formulate in the mind the pros and cons of everyday decisions. This practice not only sharpens your critical thinking but also improves your argumentative skills. Its possible negative effect is delaying your decision making especially when the situation demands a quick decision.
On growth
a. Always associate yourself with intelligent people because you can learn plenty from them. Also take note not to patronize a single mind but have a pool of mentors because this shapes you proportionally.
On Leadership
a. A true leader has initiative. He can follow instructions when told and in doing the task, innovates and improves the task which will eventually yield better results.
b. Try to spot the difference between an idea which is “pa-believe” or ideas which is feasible, clear and concise. In idealism, it is always ideal to strike a balance of what is ideal and what is realistic. In my opinion (tonton), that is where magis could be found. Thinking of great ambitious things is not magis per se rather magis shines if the great ambition is accompanied by a realistic plan of action which eventually animates that sparkling ambition into reality.
On public speaking
a. The best way to have substance in your speech is to follow the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm. The “CERAE” (Context, Experience, Reflection, Action, and Evaluation) is a logical and substantive approach in expressing ideas.
On Jesuit Education
a. Being a true blue connotes a higher degree of responsibility. Growing under this Jesuit institution in a longer period of time translates that we have a deeper understanding and a more committed and compassionate response to the needs of others. Being an atenean “since birth” is a title not to brag rather a mission to live up to.