Marcus Aurelius Quote secret victory lies “ The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious. — Marcus Aurelius Marcus Aurelius [ajax_load_more container_type=”div” css_classes=”load-more-posts” seo=”true” post_type=”post” post_format=”quote” pause=”true” scroll_distance=”-850″ transition=”masonry” progress_bar=”true” progress_bar_color=”27ae60″ button_label=”More Quotes”…
Non-Obvious: How to Think Different, Curate Ideas and Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava
Non-Obvious: How to Think Different, Curate Ideas and Predict the Future by Rohit Bhargava
Are you interested in learning how to curate trends? More than likely this is not something you’ve thought about. But if I were to ask you if you aspire to develop the ability to spot trends, you would probably say yes. Why is that? People talk about spotting trends, not curating them. In the book, Non-Obvious, Rohit Bhargava walks you through the process of curating trends. He doesn’t believe in…
The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious || Journal Entry
“Mr. Cadfan. Mr. Cadfan?”
“Hmm, what?” I mumbled, snapped out of my day dream by the rapping of a ruler against the blackboard. Mrs. Watts, my chemistry teacher starred me down. “I asked if you can explain how to balance the formulas in the equation on the board.” “Oh, um...with a scale?” A couple of people laughed, and I swear even Watts cracked a hint of a smile as she rolled her eyes. She moved onto the first hand in the air.
It’s not that I’m disinterested in school or anything, I actually enjoy it, but science just isn’t my top choice, unlike the majority of the kids in Three. I mean, biology and some of the experiments we do are cool, but having chem lecture followed by an hour lab period is brutal, especially being the last class of the day.
After the lecture Watts gave us a few minutes to stretch our legs before lab, “On a scale?” a voice behind me said sarcastically, “What? It’s a legitimate answer.” I replied with a grin as I leaned against a locker while Pexey fished through his own. He’s one of my best pals here, total opposite of myself: quiet, keeps to himself. He’s a great guy if you take the time to talk to him, probably the next inventor or doctor. He helps me get through chem and I give him a hand with history, among other things.
A loud SLAM on the locker beside his broke our conversation, “Oh, sorry didn’t mean to scare you, Peeky. Thought I saw a spider or something.” Ryam sneered as he and his gaggle of dickhead lackies stalked off laughing. He’s your typical schoolyard meathead, ya know, the one who’s probably not going to get anywhere in life. His eyes narrowed when he saw me, as did mine as we locked gazes for a brief second.
“Just let it go, please.” Pexey pleaded as he caught his breath from the scare. I grumbled under my breath as I watched them turn a corner, strumming a rubber band between my fingers. I always kept a handful around my wrist. Ryam and I had a history, I made it clear day one that I wouldn’t put up with his shit and we typically stayed out of each others way (a story for another time). But once he starts with one of my own, then it’s my business.
“You really need to throw a fist or something before I do again.” I said as we headed back to class, “I can show ya-” “No, it’s fine really.” he defended himself. I rolled my eyes, “People are gonna keep crapping on ya until you do something.” “C’mon, Pex. Let karate master here teach ya a thing or two.” Gadge said from behind us, clasping him on the shoulder.
Gadge is a lot more like me, as far as personality goes. Bit of a slacker, but still good people. The three of us paired off as lab partners and watched Watts demonstrate the mixture we were to reproduce, “Follow the instructions exactly as they’re written on the board. I think you’ll find the results quite fascinating.” It actually was a pretty cool trial. The chemicals started changing colors on its own, flashing from red to yellow, green, blue, repeat, just like the gizmos and gadgets made in the factories here.
We headed to the lockers after the bell rang. Pexey nearly fell when he got shoved in the sea of people, and take a guess who was conveniently passing by with a smug grin on his face. I watched Ryam out of the corner of my eye as he met with his girlfriend at her locker only a few paces away and turned his back towards us
That’s when my brow arched slightly and a smirk started forming on my face.
“Nax, what’re you thinking?” Gadge asked seeing the glint in my eye, “Oh, nothing.” I replied. “You’re full of shit, I know that look.” They followed my line of sight to Ryam, then back to me. “Nax, don’t.” Pexey pleaded. Gadge shook his head and laughed, “I want no part in that.” before walking off. Pexey hurried to fill his bag and follow, “Just..don’t get into trouble or anything.” he pleaded before disappearing down the hall.
I waited a minute or so to make sure I had my pieces in place: he was distracted, the hall was still partly filled and, Beautiful, I thought to myself seeing the principal round the corner. I started down the hall, pulling the straps tight on my backpack and slipping a rubber band down from my wrist. Keeping my hands down I hooked it on the tip of my thumb and stretched it back with my index finger on my opposite hand.
Just as I passed by Ryam I shot the rubber band, aiming for the back of his neck and making my mark. He snapped around and saw me as I quickened my pace, “Wha- CADFAN!” he bellowed as he tore after me. That caught everyone’s attention. I threw myself forward, a look of sheer panic on my face as I ran through the parting crowd until I reached the principal, “Mr. Bians! Help!” I yelled. He saw me coming, likewise Ryam barreling towards me with malice in his eyes. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the principal.
“What is the meaning of this?!” Mr. Bians yelled. The hall went silent and everyone’s eyes were on us. “That little fucking shit-” “Watch your language and tone of voice with me, young man.” Bians said sternly, standing between us. I was “breathing heavily” behind him, "fear" still plastered on my face, “What happened?” he asked me, “I dunno. He just came after me.” I said. “He shot me in the neck-!” “No I didn’t! I was heading home-” “Yes you did! I know-”
“That’s enough!” Bians yelled, silencing us. “This is the third time this quarter I’ve seen you harassing other students. Between the complaints, the inappropriate language and insubordination you’ve landed yourself a weeks worth of detentions.” he barked at Ryam. He turned to me, “Are you alright?” “Yea, I’ll be okay.” I said, “You are free to go. You.” he pointed at Ryam, “My office. Now.”
The principal grabbed Ryam by his sleeve and began guiding him down the hall, and as he looked back at me I shot him a wink and a smirk. His face scrunched up and he mouthed one of his usual death threats at me. A few people around me laughed, hell one person started clapping. I left the smile on my face as I spun on my heel and made for the exit.
Gadge and Pexey were waiting near the door, and judging by the look on their faces they saw the whole thing, “You’re unbelievable.” Gadge grinned as he smacked me on the back while we began home, “Defender of the weak!- No offense, Pex.” I don’t think Pexey even heard him. He had a small smile on his face, “Thanks.” he said. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” I recited with a smile.
