Interview Conclusion   
Basis of Courage      

George Friedman

    
Q. Why would reporters trust anything dictators say? 

   Most of us can't see what's going on, and modern journalists have little life experience. Reporters years ago grew up in the streets and understood nonsense. Military reporters had been in combat. 

   But most people out of journalism school these days never had a fistfight, never had to bluff themselves out of a tough spot. They lack empathy for what political leaders go through.

Q. I enjoy your skepticism and cynicism, but what hope do you have? 

   My hope is not that the Messiah will come and end all our pain. My hope is that the same pain experienced 2,000 years ago will continue, and we will endure. Human beings at ease become corrupt. When they must act, they become decent. They're forced to do the things they must do. (Consider today's response to COVID-19...Jimmy). 

   When you look back on your life and you see the things you overcame, you treasure them far more than the things you slid by. 

Q. There's  charm in (a job) if you see it as a worthwhile calling. Those who don't may become bitter and strike out at others. 

   Doing what you don't want to do is the foundation of courage. And over time you realize I was a man. My children needed to eat and I fed them. That's enormous. The adversities that we confront allow us to show courage. 

   What is this drama we're living through? It's not a Disney movie. We're struggling with life and watching some succumb to evil.