48 Comments
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Jabari Writes's avatar

This is poignant and well done. Thank you because this reflects what I believe should be the natural state of men everywhere. Being hard, going hard, doing hard translates into a hard life and a harder death, IMHO. Besides, living life according to stereotypical social norms is just joyless.

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

You. A gentleman and a scholar.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes, to all of this, Jabari! So happy you enjoyed the interview!

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Lorian's avatar

This man! What a beautiful soul! I too am getting overwhelmed with great Substacker subscriptions, but I am making room at the top for this master of love ethics :)

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooh, that's beautiful, Lorian! Glad you enjoyed the interview!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

wow thank you

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Lorian's avatar

It does my heart a world of good to witness a man aspire to softness and vibrate with love...'the greatest power in the Universe', even as others would have us believe that might is right. We need peacemakers, poets, and the pure-hearted, to lead us forward now.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I so so so so sooooo agree with this!

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Imola's avatar

"To die a soft, tender-hearted man that my ancestors would be proud of" sounds like a great goal. We need softness in this world!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

🥹 thank you

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So true!! ❤️

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Beautiful interview, thank you both. To die a soft, tender-hearted person that our ancestors would be proud of sounds like something we should all be setting our compass towards ❤🙏

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Vicki! And I agree, good compass point!

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

My heart feels a little softer, fuller, and more open after reading this beautiful interview. That and there’s a battle raging within me - “Omg, I MUST subscribe to his Substack!” “OMG, stop subscribing to more Substacks! Your inbox is crammed so full that you’re avoiding it altogether!”

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

The struggle is real! I personally feel Robert is worth it! Glad you enjoyed the interview, Lisa!!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

Gahahaha that is my dilemma 😭 I will at least “follow” someone on the app and usually I still end up subscribing haha

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

That sounds just like me! I followed you, read one of your posts, and my finger keeps twitching back over that subscribe button. Pretty sure it's going to win out.

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Geraldine Comiskey's avatar

A lovely man, as we say in Ireland.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes, I love that expression! Perfect for Robert!! Glad you enjoyed the interview!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

Thank you 🥰

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Marc Typo's avatar

I’m so grateful to be able to call Robert a friend. Truly a gem.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Why am I not surprised that two such brilliant and big-and-tender-hearted men are friends! Of course you are!!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

I love you brother 😭

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Stephanie Weaver's avatar

This is so beautiful. Thank you both.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh, Stephanie, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!

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Jennifer Nevergole's avatar

what a gorgeous interview, it leaves me feeling warm and full. and inspired by the tenderness of the friendship (wanting to lay eyes on you) and idea of dying tender-hearted, with ancestors proud. lots of tenderness and love flowing through this interview. thank you!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I felt the same way! Their friendship!! And that photo!! That one really got into my heart!! Glad you enjoyed it!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

This made me tear up. Thank you

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Istiaq Mian's avatar

"that I die a soft, tender-hearted man that my ancestors would be proud of."

so interesting to think about Robert. What do you think they would say about you?

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I love that line!! And good question, Istiaq!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

I truly believe they are cheering me on and would be 1. Surprised by how many sweets I eat 2. How much ive learned to laugh in a cruel world

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh my gosh, this made me laugh out loud! Firstly, thank goodness for sweets!! In particular, chocolate!! And yes to laughter in this cruel world. It helps!!

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Istiaq Mian's avatar

Love the thought of them cheering you on! Have a feeling they’d be proud. God bless!

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Noha Beshir's avatar

I knew this wouldn't disappoint and it didn't! Love reading anything from Robert. What thoughtful, vulnerable, soft answers.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I couldn't agree more! I felt my heart swell with every word!!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

Noha 😭

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Noha Beshir's avatar

You always say the things that remind me of the way I aspire to be. There's being that person in theory and there's committing to living it every day. You are doing the work, Robert!

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Michelle's avatar

Made me smile so big 😀

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I am so glad, Michelle! Me, too! 😻

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Daniel A Detwiler Ph.D.'s avatar

What a true friend you have!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I knooooow! That answer really got to me, too!

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Gary Douglas Smith's avatar

What a nice interview. I love the quote about how I do or don't feel being loved by you. Bad take, but nice.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Gary!

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Mary P.'s avatar

My sincerest desire for my life is that I die a soft, tender-hearted man that my ancestors would be proud of. That’s it. That’s the goal. ( This...so wonderful ! )

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I knooooowww! Same!! So glad you enjoyed it, Mary-Mary!

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sherylo's avatar

I greatly enjoyed this interview. I think this is the first person you've interviewed that has made me think, "I'd really like to spend some time with him."

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I love that! I’d really like to spend some time with Robert, too! So glad you enjoyed the interview!

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Robert the contemplative's avatar

What a profound compliment 🙏🏾

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