Timeless Virtues & a Fast-Paced World: The Value of Archetypes.

The winds of change are a constant, even in our high-speed digital age. Yet, the value of archetypes remains both dependable and immeasurable.

What better way to navigate these ever-shifting currents than by utilizing the timeless patterns found throughout the world?

Timeless Virtues & a Fast-Paced World: The Value of Archetypes.

Written by Matthew Triplett 7-10-2024

Personal History and Introduction:

Ever since I can remember, I have had a knack for quantifying things. I would pour out bags of M&M’s or Skittles, sort them, count them, and distribute them to ensure an equal number of each color remained. This fascination resurfaced recently when I watched my youngest play with wire bead mazes. I was drawn to them long after most children lose interest in such simple toys. Now, I wonder if there was some cognitive function being fed, like a ravenous wolf, beyond the conscious play on the surface. This may have led to what my wife refers to as my ‘neurodivergent’ brain, a term used to describe brains that function differently than what is typically expected.

Looking back, I see how even as a small child, I was already leaning towards working with interconnected parts and systems. However, instead of entering a quantitative field, I found myself in production and labor. I spent 17 years (around 50,000 hours) cutting metal, programming CNCs, and developing processes. Then, in the spring of 2022, I transitioned into the realm of Quality Control and Assurance, a shift prompted by my desire to meet the needs of employer and for the opportunity to seek new challenges and discover growth. I started out by writing CMM programs, creating ‘bubbling drawings’ (a method to quantify reportable characteristics on a drawing), and generating AS9102s (Detailed First Article Inspection document of the aerospace industry, in which I am employed).

This career change did not just affect my work life. My entire identity, once wrapped up in what I could do with my hands and my mind in a machine with metal, had to shift. I was no longer a craftsman in a literal sense, my craft is still very much mine, but all at once I was now a detective, and a theorist. I felt adrift, with many miles of study before I could again step onto solid ground.

So, I began reading and writing as often as I could from W. Edwards Deming to James Clear. I also discovered Carl Jung and his work on shadows and archetypes, and my own unraveling began. A friend of mine, who I first knew as the “Komrade Kommander,” shared various themes, patterns, or these ‘archetypes’ he perceived in various forms of media we mutually enjoy. His ability to effortlessly distill their immense value while also enjoying them as the recreational activities they are intended to be. I was, and still am, fascinated by him and others with the SWAG community I subscribe to. All these events and more are what led to what you are reading today.

Archetypes, as first conceptualized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, are more than just universal symbols and patterns recurring across cultures and epochs. They are the keys that unlock the doors to understanding the labyrinth of human experience. Serving as profound mirrors, they reflect our collective unconscious, offering timeless insights into the fundamental aspects of human existence. In this fast-paced, dynamic world, these archetypes hold the potential to guide us towards personal growth and professional success. Let us embark on a journey to explore some of these powerful archetypes and discover how they impact our lives today...

1. The Hero’s Journey: Purpose Amidst Adversity

The Hero’s Journey, spanning from ancient epics like Homer’s "Odyssey" to modern narratives such as "Star Wars," illustrates the path of personal growth through various trials and tribulations. The pattern typically involves the hero embarking on a journey, facing challenges that develop their character, and overcoming obstacles. This often is seemly guided by destiny, or fate leading the hero to achieve a significant goal for the greater good.

These tales reflect our own journeys of triumph and struggle, guiding us towards discovering meaning and purpose. They call us to face life’s challenges boldly, reminding us that adversity is an integral part of growth and self-discovery. Through The Hero’s Journey, we find a mirror for our own experiences, inspiring us to embrace our personal and professional ‘quests’ (goals) and the lessons they have for us in the pages of our lives. This pattern is also meta-evident in more relatable narratives such as ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘The Matrix’ in which the stark reality of repeating this cycle despite the carefully set systems. Perhaps if we dared to live like Frodo, to pick up the Ring, set out to destroy it, and succeeded, the Grey Havens might be ours as well. However, as the Matrix Trilogy and the first chapters of Genesis reveal, the Fruit will be eaten, the program restarted, and indifference (NPCs & Those AFK) will thrive once more. History will rhyme, time will pass, and the cycle will begin anew for another Hero. We would do well to realize and actualize that each of us is the Main Character in the tale being written every day. Only when our quests are complete, and we rest from our strife can we truly call it Life.

2. The Mentor: Guidance on Life’s Quest

The Mentor archetype embodies the wisdom and guidance essential for navigating life’s complexities. Characters like Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" and Dumbledore in "Harry Potter" exemplify this pattern, offering valuable insights and support to heroes on their quests. In our lives, mentors can be anyone or anything that serves as a teacher, guide, and an inspiration. Simply put, mentors advance our journey with clarity, wisdom, and perspective. They provide the knowledge and insight necessary to level up and achieve our goals. Mentors should also challenge us and push us to new levels, helping us grow by presenting difficult lessons or placing obstacles in our path. This aspect is seen in figures like Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid," who pushes Daniel to develop his skills and depth of character.

In our lives, mentors can be our parents, teachers, coaches, or even the books we read and the experiences we have. Furthermore, mentors can come in various forms, including those we model as examples or even adversaries whose accomplishments we admire. While traditional mentors are generally supportive, rival figures can also serve as catalysts for growth, challenging us to strive for excellence. The Mentor archetype is a vital source of guidance and growth, providing the clarity, wisdom, and challenges needed to complete the quest(s) at various stages in life. As social beings, we seek these roles within our journey through life. If we are not intentional in choosing our mentors, the role will be filled by default through the inputs of our experiences. One common struggle is clearly defining mentors and ensuring that both the mentee and the mentor are aware of their relationship and responsibilities. When the mentor is inanimate, such as a book or a piece of art, observing the outcomes of others who have followed the same or similar guides can offer valuable insights. Careful study and some thoughtful consideration of our mentors and the students of their journeys will serve us well. This habit of thoughtfulness also will serve us as we must confront the nature of ourselves and those we see throughout our journey in the world.

3. The Shadow: Confronting Our Inner Depths

The Shadow archetype represents the darker aspects of our collective psyche, embodying fears, desires, and unresolved conflicts. Characters like Voldemort in "Harry Potter" or Darth Vader in "Star Wars" fit this pattern quite well, serving as powerful antagonists that the hero must confront and overcome. The Shadow is daunting and not just an external adversary; it is also an internal one, reflecting the parts of ourselves that we often avoid or even bury and deny.

The Shadow serves as a reminder that personal growth and self-improvement require us to acknowledge and confront our inner darkness. This confrontation is essential for achieving wholeness and self-awareness. By facing and integrating the Shadow, we can transform our weaknesses into strengths and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

These shadows are often the traits and experiences we wish to hide, but they hold the key to our true strength, after we integrate them, as if from broken pieces once again made whole. As Tyrion Lannister advises Jon Snow, "Never forget what you are, Bastard. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you." By acknowledging and embracing our shadows, no longer surrendering to their dissatisfaction subconsciously, we can transform them into sources of resilience and power. This conscious integration helps us to navigate life's complexities with greater authenticity and self-awareness.

In life, our Shadow may manifest as self-doubt, destructive behaviors, or unresolved traumas. Confronting these aspects of ourselves and the repressed history they often come from can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it is a necessary step towards personal growth. There is but a fraction of a moment between stimuli and reaction, but a moment, nonetheless. If we are in the driver's seat, we can call it a "response"; if not, we are all too aware of how people can be, and by people, I mean we. The shadow self, akin to a beach-ball submerged underwater, is suppressed deep into our subconscious. From experience, I know that the more we push it down, the more forcefully it resurfaces. Acknowledging and integrating our shadow self is key to achieving self-understanding and inner peace. Much like a beach-ball eventually floats to the surface, even slowly if we are aware of it. Our shadow self will make itself known, offering us lessons to learn from. Before, during or after these colorful moments, seeking a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support. It is okay to need help when navigating challenges. Another person often offers wisdom and perspective that can help prevent a reaction, leading to a more thoughtful response. The Shadow archetype teaches us that true strength and wisdom come from facing and overcoming our inner demons. By acknowledging and integrating our shadow we can achieve true self-understanding and inner peace. This might involve acknowledging our fears, seeking therapy or counseling, or engaging in self-reflection and other mindfulness practices...

4. The Trickster: Embracing Creativity and Innovation

The Trickster archetype disrupts norms and challenges the established order through quick wit, a taste for chaos, and often unconventional wisdom. Characters like Loki in Norse mythology and the Joker in Batman stories fit this model, using clever intelligence and darker humor to question established rules and provoke change.

"When your father, Order, no longer serves as a wise king, cast the tyrant into My Void, to be reforged from the deep waves of My Waters." – your mother, Chaos

The Trickster archetype, which I have related throughout my journey, serves as a beacon of individual liberty. It is within this realm of freedom that we can truly nurture creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives. The Trickster urges us to push the envelope on traditionally accepted boundaries and venture into unexplored territories. For those of us who appreciate an edge of unpredictability, the Trickster archetype recognizes the transformative power of chaos in driving change and inspiring new ideas. So, dare to discover the Trickster within, let the calypso within the waters of chaos stir you up. As we journey through the chaos and creativity of the Trickster, we prepare to transition to the next archetype, one in contrast to chaos that teaches us the power of order and stillness, that amidst the constant whirlwind of change, we are reminded there is wells of wisdom in moments of quiet reflection.

5. The Archetype of Stillness: Cultivating Inner Harmony and Insight

During the chaos of contemporary existence, The Archetype of Stillness, or the term I prefer; The Warrior Monk, which provides a much-needed sanctuary in a noisy and busy world. It may also provide a tactical position and strategic advantage. Found throughout ancient traditions like Buddhist meditation and Taoist contemplation, this archetype has been another pivotal point of study in my personal journeying, helping me balance my seemingly unquenchable ambitions with the necessary introspection required for my actions to have the desired effect.

If you're familiar with the recent series "Shogun," you may have encountered the concept of the Eightfold Fence. This powerful psychological framework, akin to the disciplined nature of the Warrior Monk, teaches us to compartmentalize our emotions. It encourages a response, rather than reaction, a much more responsible approach to challenging situations.

Upon reflecting on the Eightfold Fence, initially discovered through my own research following exposure to "Shogun," I have come to appreciate its role in constructing a mental fortress. It is a mental discipline used by samurais to maintain composure under pressure. This framework allows for effective emotional management, granting us the clarity to separate personal feelings from professional decisions. (Quite a vital skill for leadership or anyone desiring composure under pressure.) As I continue to develop and integrate the principles of the Eightfold Fence into my own life, I look forward to exploring its potential for further personal and professional growth.

In today’s competitive landscape, the integration of stillness and mindfulness into our professional routines is not just strategic; it is essential. While the value of such practices varies widely depending on the role, there is a growing need for safety and security across all industries. This need will drive the marketplace to incentivize key players to enhance their decision-making and problem-solving abilities. But we do not have to wait for the marketplace to dictate our actions. As individuals, we can start now by setting aside time for reflection and mindfulness, which in turn fosters creativity enhancing our critical thinking skills and deepening our understanding of our goals and values.

My “origin story” began more as a barbarian before ever leaning towards the warrior mindset. Exploring the Warrior Monk archetype in both personal and professional spheres has been illuminating. This has allowed me to leverage ancient wisdom to thrive during my modern challenges. By harmonizing inner peace with our professional skills and fortitude, we unlock a rugged resilience and reach new heights of accomplishment. This fusion can pave the way for sustainable success in our ever-evolving world by cultivating ever more essential soft skills like self-control, after we develop discipline.

Whether we face the tremors of a quake or the surge of a wave, it is our grace and agility that empower us to transform challenges into opportunities. This blend of personal introspection with professional acumen has not only assisted in my individual growth but also is enlightening in my approach to team dynamics. So, let us embrace the Warrior Monk within us, and let the power of stillness steel us against the chaos of life.

6. Personal Archetypes: Applying Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life

Acknowledging Three Powerful Archetypes from behind my eightfold fence: Satan, Christ, and Jonah

In my life, there are three figures whose theme has been molded into archetypes of sorts are also often on my mind, you have heard of them: Satan, Christ, and Jonah. These three patterns should be visible in our modern society examples such as our stereotypes or archetypal figures of: The Hackers, The Caregivers, or The Whistleblowers. Each with their contrasting narratives and lessons for us. As I seek to deliver only the distilled value from my personal thoughts, I will keep it to but one jar of wine, from thousands of pressed and aged grapes.

Satan – selfishness incarnates, cunningly tempting others to sacrifice while avoiding personal loss.

In contrast,

Christ – “Agape” or divine unconditional love, exemplifying the willingness to sacrifice everything for eternal goals.

Personally, I often find myself leaning towards the temptations of Satan, needing constant reminders to embody Christ's selflessness, especially when pursuing the multitude of valuable aspirations, and our limitations on attaining them all.

Jonah, on the other hand, serves as my archetype of acknowledgment.

His tale, one where he knows in the inner most part of his being, from Truth itself, that he must proclaim the wrongdoing of Nineveh, decides for himself that he has no interest saying what he knows he must.

What does this disobedience to Truth earn him?

Well to poetically summarize the sequence of events, A behemoth completely consumes him, down he went into the burning belly of the beast and was dragged down even deeper still into the Depths of Despair.

Ignoring the truth and remaining indifferent in the face of wrongdoing has consequences. Like Jonah, we may experience inner turmoil when we suppress our convictions. Betraying our own integrity can be as if we were casting ourselves overboard, to be consumed by the beast of betrayal and plunged into the depths of despair. Failing to address the faults we recognize in the world around us risks personal, professional, and societal harm. It is a stark reminder of the importance of standing up against observed wrongdoing and upholding our own integrity.

Professionally I must remain mindful of my ambitions, to place the team above the individual self or ego and speak the truth in love, living peacefully as much as I am able. (It is only half as much as I would like you to believe.) These stories encourage us to contemplate sacrifice, compassion, and the consequences of ignoring our inner truths, guiding us towards greater wisdom and integrity.

7. Key Takeaways and Conclusions: Maximizing Value

Understanding and applying archetypes in our personal and professional lives can provide us with profound insights and practical tools for personal growth, team dynamics, and leadership. Here are the key takeaways from our exploration of these timeless patterns and how I have used these virtues in my life:

1. The Hero’s Journey: Challenges are opportunities for growth. Each trial we face in our professional lives is a chance to develop resilience, learn new skills, and gain deeper insights. I had little understanding of standards or when I transitioned from direct manufacturing to quality control, it required new skills and deeper study into a field I thought I was well versed in, it still requires these. As far as “Resilience” this is now even more essential to me as I progress in life. Resilience itself is just another part of the modern age with our excessive stimuli and unprecedented rate of information exposure, this is an antagonist to us all. Primarily, behold you hold the pen; this is your story. Do not allow others to dictate your tale or write a chapter in your book unless they accompany you on your quest. You are the main character, with the fate of your realm resting upon you. Journey well.
2. The Mentor: I have long set course as a student of Life, though occasionally I have forgotten it along the way, but many have come along side me to remind me who I am. So please, seek guidance and be open to learning. Such awareness will serve you faithfully. Whether it is a senior colleague, a professional coach, or a thought-provoking book, mentors can provide valuable insights and perspectives that cannot be seen from where we sit or better yet stand and will bring value to your professional journey. In my professional career I have sought out a senior colleague or three, my current lot is cast with a man named Brian. He has helped brush the dust off the fossils buried within in my quarry. From a single transformative night with Tommy Spain to the years spent with Cobby, Shapes, and Rusty, along with the recent support from Ted and Détwa - all of these individuals have been instrumental as professional mentors. It is to them that I owe any success I’ve achieved in channeling my passions towards what one might call progress. My personal mentors are too many to cite, however I have begun to read more than ever before and can testify books are wonderful investments well worth the time and energy. Best Advice to any seeking more will always be to read often as you can afford to and when seeking advisors ensure they are honest and wise over any other input. A mentor who does not challenge you might provide comfort, but they may not be pushing you to reach your full potential. In philosophy, this could be seen as the paradox of progress. We are always in pursuit of knowledge and understanding, yet the more we learn, the more we realize there is to know. It is the courage to face the fear of the unknown and the willingness to confront the challenge or resistance that leads to growth. So a mentor’s role is not just to guide, but also to challenge, because it’s in the face of challenges that we truly grow. This interplay between comfort (rest and healing) and discomfort (challenge and growth) is what makes the journey of learning so enriching. Remember, the path to wisdom will not always be comfortable, but it is wrestling with complex ideas and the courage to confront challenges that we find true growth. Other areas I sought out professional “coaching” include ASQ (American Society of Quality) and SWAG (a niche community partly to thank for this writing)
3. The Shadow: Acknowledge and confront our inner fears and conflicts. By facing our ‘shadow’, we can transform our weaknesses into strengths, advancing personal growth and self-awareness. This is not fun, though most necessary, I am too familiar with what happens when you hold a beach ball under water and attempt to take it deeper than your current acumen allows. Do not do this, rather spend time in the room as it were with the areas and parts of ourselves, we too often can rationalize away well everything, instead take the fight back by gather data, start taking stock: do a self-assessment, a habit inventory, anything because that data is often the light switch you were looking for.
4. The Trickster: Champion of Individual Liberty, Creativity, and Innovation. The trickster reminds us to question norms, challenge conventions, and attempt some of those clever current ideas, all of which are crucial for innovation and progress in any professional field. I have a natural affinity towards this role, and I have found that a level of objective playfulness or a morbid curiosity lends itself well to employing the trickster or defending against one.
5. The Archetype of Stillness: Cultivate Inner Harmony and Depth of Insight. By integrating mindfulness and introspection into our routines, we can enhance decision-making, problem-solving abilities, and overall well-being. This is one reason I set out to draft this article, aiming to better understand this archetype in the days to come. However, writing about it is easier than practicing it. May we each find inner harmony and gain insights into our personal universes, becoming like the Warrior Monk and guiding others in our unique ways. While we each have but one life, let us live it to the fullest by taking care of our body, soul, and mind through discipline and action. In doing so, we can strike a balance between the hero and the villain, chaos and order, and live well...
6. Personal Archetypes: Reflect on the archetypes that resonate with you personally. I have shared some of mine in hopes that you may acquire an understanding of how these can provide deeper insights into our motivations, strengths, and areas in need of improvement.

In conclusion, archetypes are not just ancient patterns, themes, or symbols as you can see, they are powerful tools that can guide us in our professional journeys. By understanding and applying these cyclical patterns, we can navigate our careers, and our lives with greater wisdom, authenticity, and effectiveness.

Remember, these archetypes are not meant to pigeonhole us into predefined and restricted categories, but to provide frameworks and therefore are useful tools for understanding common patterns in human behavior.

They are like a compass, guiding us through the complex labyrinth of life, helping us navigate our journey towards success and fulfillment.