Chapter 192
When Denial Meets Reality
The day after his son had left, Prince Nicholas sent for Princess Mary to come to his study. “Well? Are you satisfied now?” said he. “You’ve made me quarrel with my son! Satisfied, are you? That’s all you wanted! Satisfied?... It hurts me, it hurts. I’m old and weak and this is what you wanted. Well then, gloat over it! Gloat over it!” After that Princess Mary did not see her father for a whole week. He was ill and did not leave his study. Princess Mary noticed to her surprise that during this illness the old prince not only…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map the Authority Crisis Pattern
Think of someone you know who holds authority (boss, parent, community leader, etc.) and is struggling to adapt to change. Draw or describe the cycle: What threatens their identity? How do they deny reality? Who becomes their scapegoat? What are the warning signs that their grip on reality is slipping?
Consider:
- •Look for patterns of blame-shifting rather than problem-solving
- •Notice if they're clinging to outdated knowledge or methods
- •Observe who they target when they feel threatened - it's usually the safest person, not the actual source of the problem
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to navigate someone's authority crisis. What did you do to protect yourself? What would you do differently now that you can name this pattern?
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