Emotions: Case Studies
- personal995
- May 22, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Index
Case Studies: By Examples
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
Purpose
Emotions: Case Studies is a section of Emotions.
This page and section exists to provide examples of what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
Introduction
Take heed of the stories of others. We are a storying telling species, they help us remember.
We often won't understand the ramifications of poor planning, preparation or actions until it is too late. We have all had to learn something over and over. Either 'the penny doesn't drop,' we have cognitive biases that hold us back, or we do not quite yet have the accumulated knowledge or experience to tie it all together.
The Case Studies are provided to help show what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
The Case Studies are just appetisers to get you started. Read the referenced further readings in the Library (or similar books that might more readily align with your specific goals) to really submerse yourself into another's experience and absorb the learnings.
Process
As with the Lessons, review these Case Studies as and when it best serves you to do so:
Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and Action the Case Studies:
Document any insights or ideas in your Templates and ultimately if suitable, in your Action Plan.
Read more deeply about someone you may want to emulate.
If the individuals mentioned do not resonate with you, who does? Discover them and learn their story.
Take what you learn and put it into action.
Whatever you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Case Studies: By Example
1. Maybe Good, Maybe Bad (fiction)
Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. That evening, all of his neighbors came around to commiserate. They said, “We are so sorry to hear your horse has run away. This is most unfortunate.” The farmer said, “Maybe.”
The next day the horse came back bringing seven wild horses with it, and in the evening everybody came back and said, “Oh, isn’t that lucky. What a great turn of events. You now have eight horses!” The farmer again said, “Maybe.”
The following day his son tried to break one of the horses, and while riding it, he was thrown and broke his leg. The neighbors then said, “Oh dear, that’s too bad,” and the farmer responded, “Maybe.”
The next day the conscription officers came around to conscript people into the army, and they rejected his son because he had a broken leg. Again all the neighbors came around and said, “Isn’t that great!” Again, he said, “Maybe.”
The whole process of nature is an integrated process of immense complexity, and it’s really impossible to tell whether anything that happens in it is good or bad — because you never know what will be the consequence of the misfortune; or, you never know what will be the consequences of good fortune.
— Originally believed to be Zhuangzi (as told here by Alan Watts)
2. Is that so (fiction)
Hakuin was greatly respected and had many disciples. At one time in his life, he lived in a village hermitage, close to a food shop run by a couple and their beautiful, young daughter. One day the parents discovered that their daughter was pregnant. Angry and distraught, they demanded to know the name of the father.
At first, the girl would not confess but after much harassment, she named Hakuin. The furious parents confronted Hakuin, berating him in front of all of his students. He simply replied, “Is that so?”
When the baby was born, the family gave it to Hakuin. By this time, he had lost his reputation and his disciples. But Hakuin was not disturbed. He took delight in caring for the infant child; he was able to obtain milk and other essentials from the villagers.
A year later, the young mother of the child was troubled by great remorse. She confessed the truth to her parents – the real father was not Hakuin but rather a young man who worked at the local fish market.
The mortified parents went to Hakuin, apologizing, asking his forgiveness for the wrong they did him. They asked Hakuin to return the baby. Although he loved the child as his own, Hakuin was willing to give him up without complaint. All he said was: “Is that so?”
— Unknown
3. Two Wolves (fiction)
Once upon a time, in a quiet village nestled between lush hills, a grandfather sat by the fire with his grandson. The evening was calm, and the stars shimmered above like diamonds in the velvet sky.
The grandfather began to share a story, "Inside each of us, there are two wolves constantly at war. One wolf represents anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other wolf embodies joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."
The grandson looked up at his grandfather, wide-eyed, and asked, "Which wolf wins, Grandfather?"
The Grandfather smiled and replied, "The one you feed, my child."
— Unknown
By reviewing these lessons above you can gain inspiration, seek clarity, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
1. The South Sea Bubble
The story of the South Sea Bubble in the early 18th century provides an historical example that illustrates the risks of not understanding and controlling emotions, particularly in the context of financial speculation and investment bubbles.
In the early 18th century, the South Sea Company was granted a monopoly on trade with South America by the British government. Investors were lured by the promise of significant profits from trade with the Spanish colonies. The company's shares became highly sought after, and their value skyrocketed.
Emotional factors played a significant role in the frenzy surrounding the South Sea Bubble. Investors were driven by greed and a fear of missing out, leading to speculative buying and rapid inflation of the stock's value. The emotional exuberance eventually gave way to panic when the true financial condition of the company became apparent.
In 1720, the South Sea Company collapsed, causing a financial crisis that resulted in widespread economic ruin for many investors. The episode highlighted the dangers of speculative bubbles fueled by emotions such as greed and the herd mentality.
The South Sea Bubble serves as a historical warning about the importance of understanding and controlling emotions in financial markets. It underscores the risks associated with irrational exuberance, speculative mania, and the potential for severe economic consequences when emotions drive investment decisions.
Further reading: Devil Take the Hindmost: A History of Financial Speculation (Edward Chancellor)
2. General John Bell Hood
The story of General John Bell Hood, a Confederate military commander during the American Civil War. Hood's emotional impulses and recklessness on the battlefield led to significant losses for the Confederate Army.
During the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864, Hood ordered repeated, frontal assaults against well-fortified Union positions, despite the advice of his subordinates and the unfavorable terrain. Hood's decision to attack head-on, driven by his desire for a decisive victory, resulted in catastrophic casualties for the Confederate forces.
The Battle of Franklin proved to be one of the bloodiest engagements of the Civil War, with the Confederate Army suffering over 6,000 casualties, including many of its senior officers. The defeat dealt a severe blow to Confederate morale and military capabilities, hastening the end of the war.
Hood's emotional impulsiveness and disregard for strategic planning contributed to the Confederate defeat at Franklin and ultimately undermined his effectiveness as a military commander. His inability to control his emotions and heed the advice of his subordinates had devastating consequences for the soldiers under his command.
This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the dangers of letting emotions dictate military decision-making. Hood's reckless actions on the battlefield highlight the importance of maintaining composure, strategic thinking, and disciplined leadership in times of crisis.
Further reading: The Confederacy's Last Hurrah (Wiley Sword)
By reviewing these cautionary case studies above you can heed their warnings, adjust to suit, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Strategic Review Worksheet from The Workbook for approaching any Emotions related opportunities or challenges, guided by all key learnings from this section.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Emotions: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
To continue to learn more, move on to Emotions: Library.
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