As I’m making my way through the Great Trek Rewatch, I have now watched the classic ST:TOS episode “The Enemy Within”. In this episode, Captain Kirk is split into two beings, due to a transporter malfunction. The first Kirk to emerge embodies all the ‘good’ qualities of a human being – love, intelligence, compassion, etc. Then a second Kirk materializes and embodies the ‘evil’ qualities – anger, hate, lust, etc.
As the ‘good’ Kirk, Spock and McCoy figure out what is going on, that there is an imposter Kirk running around causing havoc and assaulting Yeoman Rand, he keeps getting ‘weaker’ in his resolve and decision making ability. They finally conclude that the ‘good’ Kirk cannot be an effective Captain and leader without having his ‘evil’ side there to make the hard decisions. Before they both die, the two must be merged together again by going through the transporter routine together and coming back out as one being.
Now, this is an extreme example trying to make the point that our darker nature serves a purpose when combined with and tempered by the lighter side of our personalities.
Forbes ran an article that says effective CEOs share traits with psychopaths. They can be good leaders who are charming, detail-oriented, persuasive and yet have no empathy for others and enjoy causing chaos. This would seem to support the idea put forth in The Enemy Within.
I’m not sure I totally agree with the episodes take on the subject. Love can take great strength to endure through hard times. Try being a parent staying at the bedside of an extremely sick child. Or the caregiver of a spouse who is slipping away daily from dementia. Or a friend watching another friend spiral into drug addiction and making a mess of their lives. Situations like these can force one to make hard decisions.
There may be times when having a darker side may be useful. Police officers needing to face off against criminals intent on harming others, or themselves. Military personnel needing to defend themselves in the battle arena. Being discerning enough to smell something fishy when a scammer tries to cheat you out of everything you own.
I guess having a darker side helps you appreciate the better things in life. Facing dark things lets you focus on the good things more, and gain a greater appreciation of them.
Something to ponder, my Hordeling.
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