T.I.L

Very interesting book. In Western Work we know a lot about Roman Empire, Alexander the Great, etc. But we dont look very often to Asia. And Gengish Khan and the following Mongol empires shaped much of the world society on the time and until know.

He was focused in meritocracy. As part of his war strategy, it was the elimination of the aristocracy of the conquered land. Very strong focus in integration. They never imposed their culture, they had full freedom for religious belief. They were brutal in war but never cruel. Torture was common in Europe and other empires, for them, it was against their belief.

They had a very clear war strategy: light travel, fast striking. They had few luggage and basic diet. They cleared the path for their horses for advancing and returning. So they destroyed and agriculture over their conquering paths.

It is interesting how Genghis Khan crumbled after his death because he didnt manage this family properly. But still, the new kingdoms kept a balance for a long time.

And something that reminded me to Rome, they had to keep expanding the empire just to keep happy the capital…. They introduced the paper money and women ruled when the men were fighting… and their campaigns lasted years!

Trade was critical for Mongols. They reached Hungary and the Balkans. They trade slaves with Venice and Genoa.

The climate was critical for their success, when the weather became warmer, their pastures were less productive in Mongolia, they had less horses, so the base of their strength was tilted.

They were master of propaganda, to spread fear so they conquering was easier. The empire was based on good army, good propaganda and good administration (just think of the sear size of the empire). They founded public education.

Mongols unified China. I didnt know that, they founded Beijing and started Forbidden City. They created the Chinese identity but they followed the mongol customes behind the curtines.

And the end of it was the Plague. The Plague stopped commerce and people. Without the fluid transit of people and goods, they couldnt keep it together.

And it is really shocking the bad reputation that has been written about Mongols after their incredible empire and success.

This is a tiny book I found in a toilet during holidays a couple of years ago. I bought a while ago and can’t find it anymore, this is one from the same author.

Fall in love (only when you can’t help it)

Dont forget that there are always consequences

When you get bucked off, get back on

Skin you own deer

If it breaks, fix it.

Never cut, what you can untie

If you make a mess, clean it up

Talk less and say more

Never betray a Trust

Make apologies, not excuses

Don’t get even, get over it

Dont waste good money on cheap boots

Help what you can; endure what you can’t

Do it Today, tomorrow is promised to no one.

Never miss a chance to Dance

Act right, behave yourself, do your job, and things will turn out all right

Take care of your knees; you are going to need them all your life

Do your best, that’s all.

Very good ebook.

Three types of conversation

• Do you want to be helped? – What’s this really about? Decision Making mindset. Lean into data and reasoning

What does everyone want? How will we make choices together?

How to figure out what this is really about? First, recognize that this is a negotiation. Next determine what does everyone want? Then how will we make choices together?

• Do you want to be hugged? – How do we feel? Emotional mindset. Lean into stories and compassion

Ask questions -> creates vulnerability -> triggers emotional contagion -> elicits connection -> prompt more questions ….

In a conflict, we learn why are fighting by discussing emotions.

In a conflict, we draw out emotions by proving we are listening.

In a conflict, we prove we are listening by looping for understanding: ask questions, summarize what you heard, ask if you got it right.

In a conflict, focus in controlling:

1. Yourself
2. Your environment
3. The conflict boundaries

Check mood and energy!

• Do you want to be heard? – Who are we? Social mindset

We all posses social identities that shape how we speak and hear.

how to talk about who we are:

1. Draw out multiple identities
2. Put everyone on equal footing
3. Create a new group by building on existing identities

Be aware of this loop:

Telling someone they belong to a group they abhor -> triggers identity threat -> causes defensiveness -> prompts counter-attacks -> leads to telling someone they belong to a group they abhor -> loop

Before discussion:

1. What do you hope to accomplish?
2. How will this conversation start?
3. What obstacles might emerge?
4. When those obstacles appear, what’s the plan?
5. What are the benefits of this dialogue?

Rules:

1. Pay attention to what kind of conversation is occurring (above)
2. Share your goals, and ask what others are seeking: prepare for the conversation. Ask many questions!
3. Ask about others’ feelings, and share your own
4. Explore if identities are important to this discussion.

The examples of “The Big Bang Theory” (how do you hear emotions no one says aloud?,) the court case, guns ownership, anti-vax, COVID, football team, netflix (no-rules), etc are really good.