How does the military benefit the economy?

So, the military’s impact on the economy is complex, right? It’s not just a simple “good” or “bad.” On one hand, that military budget is massive – a huge chunk of taxpayer money that *could* be going to healthcare, education, infrastructure…you name it. Think opportunity cost – every dollar spent on a tank is a dollar *not* spent on a school. That’s a big picture point often missed.

However, the military also acts as a massive economic engine. It pumps billions into the private sector, creating jobs in manufacturing, research and development, logistics, and countless supporting industries. We’re talking about everything from building ships and fighter jets to developing advanced materials and software. This direct injection of capital boosts economic activity and employment – that’s undeniable.

Then there’s the “spin-off” effect – the military often drives technological innovation that later finds its way into civilian applications. GPS, the internet, even things like freeze-dried food all have roots in military research. This “dual-use” technology transfer is a major benefit, though it’s not always perfectly predictable or efficient. It’s a long-term investment with potential for huge returns, but it’s not a guarantee.

The key takeaway? It’s not a simple equation. Military spending’s economic impact is a balancing act between direct stimulus, job creation, technological advancement, and the inherent opportunity cost of diverting resources from other crucial sectors. There’s always room for debate about the optimal balance, and the efficiency of that spending.

What is the economy of sacrifice?

The “economy of sacrifice” is a noob trap. Sacrificing for others, expecting nothing in return, is a losing strategy in the long game. It’s a zero-sum equation where you consistently bleed resources without proper mitigation.

Think of it like this:

Reciprocity is a skill, not a given. You need to cultivate it actively, not passively hope for it.
Unilateral sacrifice is a vulnerability. It opens you up to exploitation by those who aren’t playing the same game.
Resource management is key. Sacrifice should be strategic, not emotional. Calculate your risk/reward before committing resources.

A truly effective player understands the importance of strategic alliances. These aren’t built on blind sacrifice, but on mutual benefit. Think of it as calculated trades, not charitable donations. You give something of value to receive something of greater or equal value in return. This includes:

Information exchange: Sharing intel creates mutual advantage.
Skill sharing: Teaching others makes you stronger by reinforcing your own knowledge.
Resource pooling: Combining your resources with strategic partners maximizes your overall power.

Bottom line: Don’t be a charity case. Master the economy of strategic exchange, not blind sacrifice, and you’ll dominate the arena. Learn to identify and exploit weaknesses in players who rely on this flawed economic model.

Is serving in the military a sacrifice?

Yeah, “sacrifice” is a total understatement. Think of it like this: you’re on the hardest difficulty setting, permadeath enabled, with no save points. Your character’s stats – physical and mental health – take constant, brutal damage. Deployment? That’s a boss fight you might not survive. PTSD? That’s a debuff that lasts the entire playthrough, crippling your ability to function in the “civilian” world. And the reward? Maintaining the illusion of a relatively peaceful, safe environment for everyone else. A fragile peace, mind you; one that requires constant grinding and a willingness to potentially lose everything. It’s not a bug, it’s a feature of this broken system, this game called “American Society,” where the fundamental rights of peace and safety are more like glitched achievements than guaranteed outcomes. We’re the ones patching the holes in the system, keeping the servers online, while constantly being at risk of getting game-over’d. The stats are grim; the rewards are… debatable.

The long-term effects? Think about hidden penalties that manifest years later. Hidden health costs like chronic pain, brain injuries, and the emotional baggage that follows you everywhere. It’s a grind that never truly ends, even after you’ve logged off. And the loot? Often, it’s a sense of duty fulfilled – a feeling you can barely trade for anything in the real world. You’ve completed the mission, but the game… the game is far from over.

This isn’t a glorious victory march; it’s a hard-fought, often brutal survival against impossible odds. We’re the ones keeping the peace, even if that peace is a glitchy, unstable save file. The true cost of that peace isn’t often calculated, much less acknowledged.

What types of sacrifices are made by military veterans?

Military veterans make a multitude of sacrifices, far exceeding the commonly understood notions of bravery and resilience. Understanding these sacrifices is crucial to supporting our veterans effectively.

Physical Sacrifices:

Physical injuries: These range from visible wounds like amputations and burns to invisible injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), significantly impacting physical and mental well-being.
Impaired physical health: Exposure to hazardous environments and demanding physical training often leads to long-term health problems like chronic pain, arthritis, and hearing loss.

Mental and Emotional Sacrifices:

PTSD and other mental health conditions: The constant exposure to trauma and high-stress situations frequently results in debilitating mental health issues, requiring extensive treatment and support.
Strained relationships: Extended deployments and the emotional toll of combat can severely impact relationships with family and friends, leading to divorce, estrangement, and difficulties forming new bonds.
Moral injury: Experiencing or witnessing actions that violate their moral compass can lead to profound guilt, shame, and lasting emotional distress.

Social and Economic Sacrifices:

Career disruption: Military service often necessitates career interruptions, making reintegration into the civilian workforce challenging.
Limited social support: Veterans may struggle to readjust to civilian life, facing a lack of understanding or appropriate support systems.
Financial instability: Difficulties finding suitable employment, coupled with healthcare costs related to physical and mental injuries, can lead to financial hardship.

Beyond the Individual: The Ripple Effect

Family sacrifices: The veteran’s sacrifices extend to their families, who endure periods of separation, anxiety, and the emotional burden of supporting a loved one struggling with the aftermath of service.
Community impact: The loss of life and the burden of caring for injured veterans have a substantial effect on their communities.

Understanding these multifaceted sacrifices is paramount to providing effective support and acknowledging the immense debt owed to our military veterans.

What are some examples of sacrifice in the things they carried?

In Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’s emotional detachment from Martha can be analyzed through a competitive esports lens. His suppression of his romantic feelings represents a strategic sacrifice, akin to a pro-gamer choosing to forgo a potentially rewarding but risky play for the sake of overall team stability and mission success. His emotional investment in Martha is a distraction, a vulnerability impacting his leadership and decision-making in the high-pressure environment of the Vietnam War. He prioritizes the well-being and survival of his platoon, effectively “dropping” his personal “meta” to focus on the immediate objective: maintaining unit cohesion and achieving mission success, much like a captain prioritizing team composition over individual player performance. This sacrifice isn’t passive; it’s an active choice, a conscious decision to mute the distracting “ping” of personal emotions for the greater good, mirroring the disciplined focus required to excel in high-stakes competitive gaming. The emotional burden he carries – the weight of his men’s lives – directly outweighs the emotional reward of pursuing a potentially unrequited love. His internal conflict highlights the trade-offs between personal desires and the demanding responsibilities of leadership, a theme relevant to both military command and top-tier esports management. This self-imposed limitation, born of necessity and responsibility, parallels the strategic sacrifices made by esports players regularly for the sake of winning.

How does the military benefit you?

The military provides unparalleled leadership training through rigorous, year-round programs, developing crucial strategic thinking and decision-making skills highly transferable to esports management and team leadership. This intense, often high-pressure environment fosters adaptability and resilience – essential traits for navigating the volatile esports landscape.

Financial benefits extend beyond the typical retirement plan. The structured financial support, including tax-free allowances, access to discounted goods and services (paralleling sponsorship deals in esports), and free financial counseling, cultivates fiscal responsibility—a critical skill for managing esports team budgets and player contracts. This financial literacy translates directly to the analytical and strategic resource allocation required in competitive gaming.

Military experience often involves complex logistical coordination and problem-solving under pressure, directly mirroring the challenges of organizing tournaments, managing player travel and accommodation, and dealing with unexpected technical issues—all common in the professional esports arena.

Furthermore, the military’s emphasis on teamwork and communication, coupled with experience in high-stakes environments, creates a foundation for effective team building and conflict resolution within an esports organization. This translates into a strong capacity to foster a cohesive and high-performing team environment, ultimately boosting competitive success.

How much of the US economy is military?

The 13.3% figure for 2025 defense spending as a portion of the federal budget is a misleadingly low number for understanding the military’s true economic footprint. That’s just direct spending. We’re talking about a vast, sprawling network.

Think beyond the budget:

Indirect economic impact: Military contracts fuel entire industries, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity far beyond the direct budget allocation. Think aerospace, shipbuilding, and countless subcontractors.
Opportunity cost: That 13.3% (or even the peak 27.9%) represents a massive opportunity cost. Consider what else that money could fund – education, infrastructure, healthcare, green energy initiatives. The military’s economic dominance prevents investment in other vital sectors.
Geographic concentration: Military spending isn’t evenly distributed. Certain states heavily rely on defense contracts, creating economic dependencies and vulnerabilities.
Military-industrial complex: The close relationship between the military, government, and defense contractors creates a powerful, self-perpetuating system that consistently pushes for increased budgets, irrespective of actual needs.

Historical context (beyond 1980): The post-WWII era saw even higher percentages of the federal budget devoted to defense. The Cold War fueled a massive military buildup, dwarfing even the 1987 peak. Analyzing the military’s economic impact requires a broader, historical perspective than simply the past four decades.

Bottom line: While the 13.3% figure provides a snapshot of direct federal spending, it vastly underestimates the true scale of the military’s influence on the US economy. It’s a complex, multifaceted relationship that goes far beyond simple budgetary allocations.

Is it a good idea to serve in the military?

Look, the military’s not just pew-pew and explosions. It’s a serious grind, year-round training that’ll push you harder than any pro league ever could. But that pressure forges serious leadership skills. You’ll be leading squads, coordinating strategies under pressure – experience that translates directly to any team environment, even esports. Think of it as intense boot camp for competitive gaming, but with way better benefits.

Forget about sponsorships for a second. The military offers a rock-solid retirement plan, a crucial aspect many gamers overlook when chasing short-term wins. Plus, the financial perks are insane.

Tax-free allowances: More disposable income to invest in your setup or future ventures.
Exchange privileges: Think of it as a pro-level gamer discount program on everything from gear to groceries.
Free MilTax services and financial counseling: Managing your finances is a huge part of a long-term career, even more important than the next tournament.

So, while the path is demanding, the potential return on investment – both in skills and financial stability – is significant. It’s a different kind of meta game, but one that can set you up for a strong future, whether you continue in the military or transition to a different career, even professional gaming. You’ll have the discipline, leadership, and financial foundation many gamers lack.

Which is an example of a sacrifice?

The concept of “sacrifice” in game design often manifests as a strategic trade-off, a deliberate relinquishment of one advantage to gain another, potentially more significant, one. Let’s examine the provided examples through this lens:

“He sacrificed his personal life in order to get ahead in his career.” This reflects a common resource management dilemma. Time, a finite resource, is allocated to career advancement at the cost of personal well-being. In game terms, this could represent a player prioritizing experience gains (career) over social interactions or other activities (personal life). The balance between these is crucial for optimal progression. Consider a game where neglecting personal relationships leads to stat debuffs or missed opportunities.

“I want to follow a diet that is healthful without sacrificing taste.” Here, the trade-off is between health (stat increase) and enjoyment (immediate gratification). Many games feature similar choices. A player might choose a powerful but less efficient weapon (healthier, but less satisfying) over a weaker, more fun-to-use one. The game design challenge lies in creating compelling options on both sides of the trade-off, avoiding a binary “always choose this” scenario.

“She was able to ask for their help without sacrificing her dignity.” This showcases the importance of resource management and strategic interactions. Seeking assistance is often a necessary sacrifice of pride, but maintaining dignity limits the negative consequences. In games, this translates to forming alliances or seeking help while avoiding reputation penalties or loss of autonomy. The game mechanics need to reward skillful negotiation and strategic alliances over reckless solo play.

“They sacrificed their lives [=they died] for their country.” This represents the ultimate sacrifice – the complete loss of the “player character.” In games, this can be a mechanic for narrative impact, emphasizing the cost of actions. Many games feature scenarios where a character’s death triggers an event, potentially advancing the plot or influencing other characters. Alternatively, it could be a permanent loss of the player’s progress, representing a high-stakes gamble with a potentially significant reward. Consider the emotional weight this carries and how the game handles the repercussions.

Effective game design hinges on presenting players with meaningful sacrifices. The choices must be impactful, yet balanced, preventing a feeling of unfairness or powerlessness. The weight of each sacrifice must align with its corresponding reward, fostering a rewarding and engaging gameplay experience.

What is sacrifice in economics?

In economics, sacrifice, often quantified by the sacrifice ratio, isn’t a singular event but rather a sustained cost. It represents the cumulative loss of real GDP – think of it as lost economic “levels” or “experience points” in a game – incurred during a period of disinflation (reducing inflation). This loss is the “price” paid to lower inflation. It’s not simply a matter of a one-time hit; the economy experiences a prolonged period of below-potential output, analogous to a character suffering a persistent debuff. The ratio itself compares the cumulative loss in real GDP to the achieved reduction in the inflation rate – effectively the “cost-effectiveness” of the disinflationary policy.

Key factors influencing the sacrifice ratio include: the credibility of the central bank’s commitment to disinflation (player trust in the game mechanics), the degree of price and wage flexibility (how easily character stats adjust), the presence of supply shocks (unexpected game events), and the type of disinflationary policy employed (different game strategies). A higher ratio indicates a more costly disinflationary process, like a strategy that requires massive resource expenditure for minimal reward. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more efficient approach, like a well-executed strategy yielding significant benefits at a low cost.

Understanding the sacrifice ratio is crucial for policymakers: it helps them evaluate the trade-offs between inflation and output stability, guiding the choice of monetary policies. A high sacrifice ratio necessitates careful consideration; it implies significant economic pain—lost output, increased unemployment (character death)—for even modest reductions in inflation. The optimal strategy involves minimizing the sacrifice ratio—maximizing output while achieving the desired inflation target, similar to optimizing resource management in a game for maximum efficiency.

What does it mean to serve and sacrifice?

Serving and sacrificing, in the context of the Christian life, is analogous to a challenging, long-term RPG. Think of it as a high-difficulty campaign where leveling up your character (spiritual growth) requires significant resource management. Your “resources” are time, energy, attention, and possessions. Each act of service – volunteering at a soup kitchen, mentoring a struggling friend, donating to charity – represents a strategic investment. These actions aren’t just experience points; they’re crucial quests that contribute to the ultimate storyline. Sometimes, you’ll face difficult choices, requiring you to sacrifice a valuable item (a weekend trip, for example) to complete a critical mission (helping a family in need). The rewards aren’t always immediate or tangible, but they accumulate over time, leading to a richer, more meaningful “game” experience. The final boss? Selfishness. And overcoming it yields an unparalleled sense of fulfillment, a reward far exceeding any in-game loot.

Furthermore, the “difficulty setting” is dynamic. What constitutes a significant sacrifice varies from player to player, based on individual stats (personal strengths and weaknesses, available resources). A wealthy player might find donating a large sum easy, while a struggling player might find sacrificing an hour of their limited free time more demanding. The true measure isn’t the magnitude of the sacrifice, but the willingness to engage in the quest, choosing compassion and selflessness over ease and comfort. The game is not about achieving a perfect score; it’s about consistent, meaningful engagement with the core mechanics of empathy and love.

It’s important to note that burnout is a real risk; this isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. Players need to manage their resources wisely, pacing themselves, and understanding the importance of self-care to avoid penalties (emotional exhaustion, spiritual depletion). This requires skillful strategy; prioritizing key objectives, delegating tasks where possible, and remembering that even small, consistent acts of service can yield significant long-term gains.

Why should we honor our military veterans?

Honoring military veterans isn’t just a patriotic gesture; it’s a crucial investment in our collective understanding of sacrifice and resilience. These individuals represent a unique skillset – adaptive strategy under pressure, teamwork in high-stakes environments, and a deep understanding of risk assessment and mitigation. These aren’t just battlefield skills; they’re transferable assets highly valuable in the competitive landscape of esports and beyond.

By acknowledging their service, we unlock access to a vast pool of untapped talent and experience. Veterans often possess a strong work ethic, a profound sense of discipline, and an ability to perform under immense pressure – qualities that directly translate to success in professional gaming. Think of it as recruiting from a highly specialized, battle-tested talent pool. We gain not only individuals with proven capabilities but also invaluable mentors and role models who can shape the future of esports through their leadership and experience. The lessons learned on the battlefield can inform strategies and team dynamics in the digital arena, fostering a culture of excellence and contributing significantly to the growth of the esports ecosystem.

Furthermore, recognizing veteran contributions fosters a deeper connection between the military community and the burgeoning esports industry, creating opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, and community building. It’s a symbiotic relationship, with veterans benefitting from new career paths and esports benefiting from their expertise and leadership. This acknowledgment transcends simple gratitude; it’s a strategic investment in building a more robust, diverse, and successful esports future.

What is a good example of sacrifice?

Sacrifice, in its broadest sense, involves relinquishing something valuable for a perceived greater good. This can range from material possessions to personal comfort, even life itself. Let’s explore some examples from diverse contexts:

Religious Sacrifice: The villagers’ offering to their gods illustrates a classic example. This often involves a ritualistic giving – be it an animal, crop, or even a symbolic item – to appease or honor a divine entity. The value lies not just in the object itself, but the intention and faith behind the offering. Understanding the cultural and historical significance of these practices provides crucial context. Think about the ancient Greek sacrifices to the Olympians or the Aztec rituals – the motivations and consequences varied drastically.

Parental Sacrifice: “No sacrifice is too great when it comes to her children” highlights the immense selflessness of parental love. This isn’t limited to monumental acts; it encompasses the daily, often unseen, compromises parents make for their offspring’s well-being – from forgoing personal pursuits to prioritizing their children’s needs above their own.

Sacrifice in Times of War: War necessitates collective sacrifice. Individuals surrender their safety, comfort, and even their lives for a national cause or perceived greater security. This includes soldiers’ sacrifices, but also civilian contributions like rationing, working in war industries, and enduring hardships on the home front. Understanding the motivations and ethical considerations behind wartime sacrifice is crucial.

Personal Sacrifice for a Greater Cause: The example of helping the homeless demonstrates personal sacrifice driven by compassion and altruism. This highlights how individuals can forgo personal gain or convenience to improve the lives of others. Analyzing this type of sacrifice reveals the interplay of empathy, moral values, and personal commitment.

Key Takeaways: The concept of sacrifice is multifaceted. It’s not solely about grand gestures; it exists across a spectrum of actions, motivations, and contexts. Analyzing various examples unveils the complex interplay of faith, love, duty, and personal values driving individuals and communities to make sacrifices.

What are the two types of sacrifices?

Yo, what’s up, legends! So, you wanna know about sacrifice types? Think of it like this: there’s your daily grind sacrifices and your boss battle sacrifices. Regular sacrifices? That’s your daily quests, your weekly raid prep, your monthly subscription – keeping the gods, uh, I mean, the game, running smoothly. These happen on a schedule – daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally, like that sweet harvest festival loot drop. Think of it as maintaining your character’s stats. You gotta keep those piety points up!

Then there’s the special sacrifices. These are your epic raids, your legendary boss fights, the one-time events that totally change the game. Maybe it’s a huge offering to unlock a new area, or a massive ritual to appease some ancient, super-powerful being and grab that ultra-rare loot. These are high-risk, high-reward events. Gotta strategize, bring your A-game, and hope you don’t get one-shotted. It’s all about that endgame content, right? Maximum efficiency, minimal wasted resources – that’s the gamer’s way.

Basically, you’ve got your routine maintenance and your game-changing boss fights. Get it right, and you’re rolling in rewards. Mess up, and… well, let’s just say you might need to start a new character.

What are 3 benefits of serving in the military?

Three massive perks of military service? Forget loot boxes, this is the ultimate pro gamer’s advantage. First, the compensation’s insane – think guaranteed salary, superior retirement plans that crush even top-tier esports org contracts, and paid time off to grind ranked matches. Second, housing? Consider it your dedicated, rent-free gaming compound, a massive upgrade from your cramped apartment. Finally, the military offers insane bonuses and perks. Think of it as tournament winnings – extra cash for meeting specific requirements, essentially turning your service into a high-stakes competition with consistently rewarding payouts. It’s basically a sponsor that never quits. Plus, financial and tax advice? That’s your professional coach helping you max out your earnings and minimize your losses. Level up your life.

What is the most funded military in the world?

The US military dwarfs all others in funding. Think of it like this: in 2025, they spent $880 billion – that’s a ludicrous amount. It’s a budget larger than the next eight biggest military spenders combined. That’s strategic dominance on a scale rarely seen.

Key Takeaways for the Strategist:

Unmatched Technological Advantage: This massive budget translates to cutting-edge technology, superior weaponry, and advanced training unavailable to other nations. Consider this a significant gameplay advantage.
Global Reach and Projection of Power: The US maintains a global network of bases and alliances, allowing for rapid deployment and intervention virtually anywhere. Think global map control.
Superior Intelligence Gathering: The sheer size of their intelligence network gives them a massive information advantage. Think early-game scouting.

Competitor Analysis:

China ($309 billion): A rapidly growing military power, focusing on anti-access/area denial strategies. Think a strong, regionally focused competitor.
Russia ($126 billion): A powerful nuclear arsenal but facing economic challenges limiting modernization. Think high-risk, high-reward strategy with outdated equipment.
India ($83 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($74 billion): Significant regional players with their own strategic goals and capabilities, but lacking the global reach of the top two.

Strategic Implications: The vast disparity in military spending creates a complex geopolitical landscape. Understanding these power dynamics is critical for anticipating future conflicts and formulating effective strategies.

What qualifies you for military benefits?

Think of military benefits like a particularly challenging game—you need to meet specific playtime requirements to unlock all the rewards. For most benefits, that’s a minimum of 24 continuous months of active duty. This is your base requirement, the entry-level “boss” you need to defeat.

However, there’s a crucial exception: if your active duty period is shorter due to a call-up or mobilization order, completing that full period qualifies you. This is like a hidden questline—you might not have hit the standard 24 months, but fulfilling your obligation fully unlocks the same benefits. Think of it as a special achievement. Keep in mind this can vary based on specific circumstances and branch of service, so always double-check the fine print—it’s your reward guide.

So, don’t get discouraged if your time wasn’t the full 24 months. Focus on completing your assigned duty, and that’s your key to victory—unlocking those hard-earned benefits. But 24 continuous months is generally your target playtime for the best rewards.

What does willing to sacrifice mean?

In esports, “willing to sacrifice” means prioritizing team success over individual glory. This could involve giving up a personally advantageous playstyle, a coveted champion pick, or even personal stats for the betterment of the team’s overall strategy.

Examples include:

A support player sacrificing farm and kills to ensure their carry gets the necessary resources to dominate.
A jungler sacrificing their own lane’s objectives to secure a crucial objective for another lane.
A player giving up their main role for a less-preferred one if the team needs it more.

This often translates to less individual recognition but contributes significantly to winning matches. Think of it like this:

Individual Performance vs. Team Synergy: High individual skill is great, but a team that works together seamlessly, with players willing to sacrifice, often outperforms teams with individually stronger players lacking teamwork.
Strategic Depth: Sacrifices are not random; they’re calculated moves based on team composition, opponent weaknesses, and game state. Mastering this strategic element is crucial for high-level play.
Long-Term Goals: While a single sacrifice might seem detrimental in the short term (e.g., fewer kills), its contribution to a win significantly outweighs the individual loss. The ultimate goal is championship.

Is sacrifice positive or negative?

The act of sacrifice in relationships, much like in game design, is a double-edged sword. It can be a powerful mechanic leading to significant positive outcomes.

Positive Aspects: Think of it like a powerful synergy in an RPG. A well-executed sacrifice, driven by genuine compassion and empathy as Day & Impett (2016) highlight, creates a strong bond, a powerful “buff” to the relationship’s overall health and success. This is analogous to a character sacrificing their own HP to save a teammate, a strategic move ultimately benefiting the entire party.

Increased trust and intimacy.
Enhanced feelings of connection and mutual support.
Strengthened commitment and resilience.

Negative Aspects: However, poorly implemented sacrifice, much like a poorly designed game mechanic, can become exploitative and detrimental. This is where the “dark side” appears. It’s akin to a game where one player consistently sacrifices their progress for another, leading to resentment and an unbalanced experience.

Resentment and bitterness: Unreciprocated sacrifice can foster feelings of unfairness and frustration, potentially leading to a game over scenario for the relationship.
Power imbalances: One partner consistently making sacrifices might indicate an imbalance of power dynamics, creating an unhealthy “pay-to-win” dynamic.
Self-neglect: Excessive self-sacrifice can lead to burnout and depletion, weakening the “player character” and leaving them vulnerable to other negative game mechanics.

The Key Takeaway: Successful sacrifice in relationships, just as in well-designed games, demands balance, reciprocity, and a clear understanding of the risks and rewards. It’s about strategic decision-making, not blind self-destruction.