Some of the truest quotes I've heard are from video games. I find it interesting that I can relate more to the villain than the hero, although both always share a very similar backstory, the difference being how each respond to their experiences.
I think there's actually a thin line between good and evil, relatively. And sometimes, doing good may require doing something seemingly bad.
For me, mastery is an enigma that doesn't lend itself to duality, in terms of good or evil. If mastery is a form of power, then power in of itself is amoral.
Both good and bad people can be powerful. Anyone can attain power, irrespective of their inclination on the spectrum of morality.
But I'd still place mastery in a dual category, external and internal. The latter is more of a mystery, because it's in a domain that's hard to unravel, even harder to understand.
Duality Of Mastery
External mastery can come from being great at creating a particular outcome. It's more specific, tangible and concrete.
For example, a master chef can consistently produce exquisite dishes that delight the senses, or a skilled artisan can captivate audiences with their technical prowess and emotional expression.
This type of mastery is celebrated and admired, as it leads to tangible achievements that can be readily observed and appreciated.
However, internal mastery is the true enigma, in the sense that it deals with mastery over one's own thoughts, emotions, and impulses.
This is the domain where the line between good and evil becomes most blurred. A person who has attained a high degree of internal mastery may be able to wield great power, but the direction in which they choose to apply that power is what ultimately determines whether they are viewed as a hero or a villain.
A villain, for instance, may have mastered the art of manipulation, strategizing, and self-control, which gives them the ability to achieve their goals with ruthless efficiency.
The Hero's Struggle
A hero can achieve a profound understanding of themselves, their emotions, and their moral compass, but making difficult decisions and sacrifices for the greater good, even in the face of great adversity continues to be a challenge.
Arguably, the true test of an individual's mastery isn't experienced through their external achievements, but in the internal choices they make and the impact they have on the world around them.
Without internal mastery, external mastery may be akin to a sand castle, built on shaky foundations that can crumble at the first sign of adversity.
True, lasting power comes from the mastery of one's own mind and spirit, not just the mastery of a particular skill or craft.
And true masters are those who have the courage and conviction to walk this line between good and evil with the internal integrity that guides their every step.
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