The Secret Is to Win: The Only Sane Response to Tyranny

[DISCLAIMER]

*Lee (2023) spoilers contained herein.

Earlier, I posted a blog entry entitled All of Lebanon Must Burn: What Have I Done to You? (6/22/2026). In it, I encouraged readers to consider use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) regarding healthy and unhealthy negative emotions.

Specifically, I demonstrated use of the ABC model as a method of moving from negative and unhealthy self-disturbance (e.g., rage) to negative and healthy self-distress (e.g., frustration). To illustrate the psychoeducational lesson, I drew upon the terroristic behavior of Israel in Lebanon.

In a separate blogpost entitled Real Terrorism: Operation Eternal Darkness (4/9/2026), I invited readers to also consider the neutral state of indifference regarding Israel’s terroristic actions in Iran. For that post, I demonstrated use of unconditional acceptance (UA).

Moreover, in a blog entry entitled Doing Right or Wrong, as They See It (8/19/2025), I examined the morals and ethics possibly underlying Israel’s terroristic behavior in Gaza. Similarly, in a blogpost entitled They Best to be Ready to Move (1/14/2025), I deconstructed the logic and reason of likely consequences for Israel’s terroristic actions in Palestine.

This is only a sampling of my blog content related to Israel’s terroristic behavior which constitutes genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes. In virtually all of my blogposts on this and similar topics, I’ve advocated working in accord with personal interests and goals.

This may be an altogether separate matter than collective sentiment that accompanies or causes special attention to something or someone (i.e., interest), and the end toward which effort is directed (i.e., goal). When practicing REBT, I work with individuals, though not with groups.

Therefore, one of my main objectives when assisting an individual with daily practice of REBT is to win (to get possession of by effort or fortune) at the pursuit of one’s personal interests and goals. Noteworthy, these are self-ascribed desires and aims. Thus, they aren’t universal.

When thinking of this approach to care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”), I’m reminded of The Foundation (2005), the seventh and final studio album by classic hip hop trio the Geto Boys (lyricists Willie D, Scarface, and the late Bushwick Bill).

The anthology featured the track “The Secret” which was produced by Tone Capone. The lyrics of the hook twice state, “You’ve got seasons to rise, and moments to descend. You’ll find the peace in the end. Don’t cry. The secret is to win!” Subjectively, the song is motivational.

When enduring discomfort with the inevitably difficult process of changing beliefs which influence how one thinks, feels, and behaves, I find it useful to remind oneself that “the secret is to win.” Thus, as ascending and descending moments of challenge arise, one may stay focused.

For instance, when Israel’s terroristic behavior spreads from Gaza to Palestine, then to Iran and Lebanon, the secret is to win for the individual who uses personal interests and goals. Yet, for the countries which maintain collective desires and aims, winning requires a different approach.

When addressing mental health, I’m working with individuals, not countries. For some people, these elements are perceivably inseparable. Thus, an individual with whom I work may say that my approach to mental health care is largely unhelpful to the person who’s a nation member.

Thinking further about this plausible claim, I’m reminded of the film Lee (2023). Regarding the plot summary, one source states:

War correspondent Lee Miller travels to the front lines of World War II to embark on a mission to uncover the hidden truths of the Third Reich. But in the wake of betrayal, a reckoning will come over the truths of her own past.

In the film, Lee and her friends in Europe watch a television program depicting Adolf Hitler’s ascendency. During the scene, the following dialogue unfolds:

[group watches a television report about Hitler and the Third Reich]

Lee: Jesus, look at them all!

Roland: They’re idiots, but dangerous.

Pablo Picasso: They’re all brainwashed.

Lee: Not everyone can believe this. Surely they can see what he [Hitler] is!

Paul: But they don’t. Look at them. This is not an act!

Picasso: The only sane response to tyranny is to paint.

Unidentified friend: To create.

Roland: And drink!

Paul: And write.

Jean: And dance!

[upbeat music plays, as all friends follow their prescribed response to tyranny]

Scene from Lee (2023), property of Sky Cinema and StudioCanal, fair use

For context, the term “sane” used by Picasso relates to proceeding from a sound mind, or as I conceptualize this term when practicing REBT, it relates to that which is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason). Still, “sane” is an archaic term often used in place of “rational.”

Also, Picasso addressed “tyranny” which relates to oppressive power, especially oppressive power exerted by government. Both Nazi Germany historically and Israel presently qualify for this term in regard to how each of these nations tyrannized and terrorizes other countries.

Given my personal interests and goals, as I watch Israel behaving like the nation that once oppressed them, I remind myself that the secret is to win. Thus, I stated in a post entitled You Cannot Vote Your Way Out of Oppression or Comply Your Way Out of Tyranny (5/8/2026)

I stay sane by focusing on (1) what I can control, and (2) what I can try to influence. All else is merely of concern or no concern to me. Now, I invite you to practice REBT – irrespective of whether or not you vote. Though you cannot vote your way out of oppression or comply your way out of tyranny, you can stay sane!

In Lee, a group of friends decided that the only sane response to tyranny was to essentially practice avoidance and escapism. On could say the same of REBT practice. Ergo, I stated in a blogpost entitled The House Negro and the Field Negro: Suffer Peacefully (3/24/2026):

[P]rior to learning of REBT, my late stepmom helped keep me out of long-term incarceration and alive. She’s no longer living, though I remain on a systemic plantation of life. Therefore, while in the metaphorical field, I rationally consider my objectives.

I want to remain out of a box and above ground. Yet, my stepmom is no longer alive to hold me collectively responsible and accountable. Therefore, I take personal ownership of my reactions to undesirable circumstances. In this way, I’m not figuratively owned by anyone or anything. This approach to rational living is empowering!

The secret is to win with my personal interests and goals (i.e., to remain out of a box [out of prison] and above ground [alive]). In this way, I’m not advocating avoidance and escapism. Rather, I turn toward discomfort and build my level of tolerance (e.g., writing posts about Israel).

If I were in Gaza, Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, or anywhere else that Israel tyrannizes, perhaps I’d have different personal interests and goals, along with altered collective desires and aims. In those instances, I may experience behavior which lyricist Willie D expressed on “The Secret”:

Dude was one deep at the store, he said, “I ain’t no ho”

Got clapped in the back of his fro (Woo!)

It didn’t have to go like that, believe me, mister

Someday, niggas gon’ respect these pistols

Play the safe, get out the way, when a fool got the ups

Pride’ll get a motherfucker shot in the guts

And remember this before you grown, until the day that you gone

Currently, given my individual circumstances, along with personal interests and goals, I practice REBT. In another setting, I may readily employ use of self-defense (Woo!). Thus, the secret is to win, as the only sane response to tyranny is determined by the one experiencing it.

Some paint, create, drink, write, dance, or clap others in the back of a fro (Woo!). Fortunately, I’m not in the habit of telling people what they should or shouldn’t do. Ergo, if a force rivaling Nazi Germany’s oppressive power shows up and terrorizes you, how you’ll respond is up to you.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

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