I do sympathize with the many who question my intent as they try to ascertain my motivations and political positions. “Do I want a political office,” writes one beleaguered email sender. “You want publicity,” writes another. “You want to stay in the times of the caveman,” says yet another.
I read and listen to such things with humor because it would take a lifetime for many of those people to understand what and why I think the way I do. I was doing much of this work before I ever entered the Lakota School Levy issue, and I’ll be doing the same work long after it passes. It just so happens that time and fate have intersected over the issue of education funding.
So as a contribution of insight I offer something I wrote back in 2004 in my book, The Symposium of Justice. It’s the Ten Rules for Living as displayed in the back of the book and discussed in the chapter called, The Overman. (Hint, this is where the term Overmanwarrior comes from, the term reminds me of these ten rules) It is my hope that this list might provide the needed insight for those that seek an answer to their lingering queries.
The following appears on page 187 of The Symposium of Justice, Cliffhanger’s Ten Rules to Live by
1. To honor women, they are the pillars of society.
2. Stand as an example of the highest moral order.
3. Avoid mental depletion such as intoxication, and ignorance.
4. Pursue learning like a person on fire pursues water.
5. Live with integrity, where values are in line with behavior.
6. Live the given life, not the dreams of others.
7. In a crisis handle everything calmly and without confusion.
8. Be capable of firmness in the heart.
9. Sorrow is everywhere, accept it with a smile.
10. Resist hiding in numbers, stand as an individual contributor.
I wrote the Symposium of Justice to teach my kids the values I wanted them to carry into adulthood. But I offer it to anyone looking to improve their life. I live by those values and it has always worked for me. When you are living by those principles, no amount of money, no official title, and no peer acceptance can surpass the benefits. The key to fixing the world is within you. Fix that and you fix the world. . All such things are purely cosmetic aspects to a social existence. Participation in any and all will ultimately lead to an empty life laced with dissatisfaction. So read of the above list what you will. Live your life and maybe make your own list. Because one thing is certain, and that is nothing is truly certain. All you truly ever have is what you build inside yourself and can therefore offer others in the form of relationships.
No school, political party, or career choice can give you that
Those are the values I live by.
Rich Hoffman
http://twitter.com/#!/overmanwarrior www.overmanwarrior.com
The Overmanwarrior 
There are times that i dont read more than two lines but i think you can add some value. Bravo !
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Hello. I just wanted to pop in and comment on the design of your blog. Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s too loud. It’s doing way too much and it takes away from what youve got to say – which I think is really important.
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I wish I found overmanwarrior.wordpress.com before ! Your site is very informative, thanks.
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Love the design you use in your site. Do you mind if I reference to this blog from my newsletter? Thanks.
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Where did you get the theme for your article?
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I can see that you are an expert in this area. I am starting a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
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I’ve learned so much online in the past four years. The majority of my knowledge I attribute to reading great blogs like yours. Thank you!
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Is there any way to subscribe to this post? I’d like to be updated on the comments here as they come in. I’ve always been somewhat of a debater and I’d like to hear other’s opinions on this issue.
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I have seen a lot of blogs but i really like the layout of yours. Keep up the good work my friend. 🙂
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I was chatting with my friend on MSN about this and I’ve got to say that I completely agree with the poster near the beginning. And on a side note, I really like the colors you used for your blog. What theme is this?
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Diana wrote: “No, David . I was referring to the Koch brothers, but didn’t think I had to spell it out. There is no BOTTOM LINE IN OUR SCHOOLS. They CAN’T BE RUN LIKE A BUSINESS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT A BUSINESS!!! We don’t get to order raw stock, we accept all children….ones from broken homes, from crack addict parents , the hungry , the dirty, the neglected…I could go on and on, but YOU CAN’T, because you have not only never walked a mile in my shoes, you don’t even have children. Can I accept that our schools need improvement? Yes , but not from someone who is sitting at home reading whatever you might have “Googled” and selectively quoting what fits your needs to criticize me. You don’t have a dog in this hunt. I don’t know what has happened to make you so bitter, but I’m sorry I ever responded to your criticism, cause I love you and don’t want to have bad feelings between us. Your tone puts me on the defensive and for the life of me, I wonder what makes you think so badly of the profession that your sister and I have worked our tails off in. I quess I’ll have to do what I did with Rodney, (we can’t agree on politics)I will never respond to one of your critical posts again.”
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♥ I simply adore your values …
Cliffhanger’s Ten Rules to Live by …
The life skills you speak of took me …
Along time to become.
~Special Blessings Rich …
~Debbie:)
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Thanks, that’s nice to hear. I put them out there to share, hoping people can grab on to something……..
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