What ADHDers Can Learn from the Klingon Empire
Confession time: I am a bit of a Trekkie. I have seen all of the Star Trek movies and every episode of every Star Trek TV show that has completed its run–The Original Series (TOS), The Next Generation (TNG), Deep Space 9 (DS9), Voyager (VOY), and Enterprise (ENT). I have come to greatly admire the Star Trek universe and all of the races and characters Gene Roddenberry and all who have worked on the various Star Trek projects that have been created over the years. I have found that some of my favorite episodes of Star Trek TV shows are those that deal with Klingons and their culture. This has inspired me to learn Klingon on my Duolingo app and write a post about what we ADHDers can learn from this Star Trek race.
Honor
“batlh potlh law’ yIn potlh puS”
The best compliment you can give a Klingon is to say they have batlh, the Klingon word for honor. Klingons have a strict code of conduct. As a warrior race, they value those who have won many battles. A Klingon would never kill someone from behind or from a distance. Klingons look their victims in the eye when they kill. They value honor above all else.
We ADHDers must act with honor as well. ADHDers can be prone to lying. This is often to cover up our mistakes or failure to do what we said we were going to do. Additionally, we must live with integrity, meaning we want to be our true, authentic selves. Because life with ADHD, we might try to be like other people in order to fit in or be more successful. We will only find our true friends and be successful when we are our true, authentic selves. If we live authentically, we will have honor.
Boundaries
The Klingons are a prideful people. Do not encroach on their territory. Do not invade their personal space, unless you plan on fighting them. They are private, and do not like people digging into their private thoughts.
Yes, the Klingons can have boundaries that are too limiting and be too fierce in their reactions. However, boundaries are an important thing for those of us with ADHD. Some of us tend to be people pleasers and let people walk all over us. Setting healthy boundaries are important.
Bravery
When the metaphorical poo hits the metaphorical fan, there is no other Star Trek race I would rather have at my side than the Klingons. Many of their rituals involve daring action and require bravery to attempt. They face fear with no hesitation.
Likewise, we ADHDers might come to doubt our skills. ADHD can wreak havoc on one’s self-esteem. That should not stop us from taking risks and living life to the fullest.
Sharing Life’s Biggest Moments with Others
There are rituals for virtually all of the important moments in Klingon life. These are seldom done alone. In fact, a Klingon proverb states that “nIteb Qob qaD jup 'e' chaw'be' SuvwI'“ (a warrior does not let a friend face danger alone). There is an episode of DS9 where Worf is about to get married and he invites the human men on the station to his bachelor party. They enthusiastically agree, but they are disappointed that it is not the raucous good time that human bachelor parties are. It is a rigorous series of painful and difficult tasks. Also, on an episode of TNG, the mother of Worf’s son, Alexander (an excellent name, in my humble opinion), dies. Worf invites Alexander (who does not yet know Worf is his father) to mourn together. This episode also shows a glimpse into the Klingon ritual for choosing a new leader of the high council.
It is a difficult life when one has ADHD. That is why it is so important to celebrate our achievements and milestones. These celebrations are more meaningful when shared with others. Do not isolate yourself, my fellow ADHDers. Surround yourself with people who can help you enjoy and celebrate your life.
Warrior’s Mentality
A Klingon is always ready for battle, always ready to earn honor. When a threat is imminent, they are ready to strike. The Klingons are a warrior race, and that is reflected in their mentality.
Fighting ADHD is a constant struggle. We must always be on guard for ADHD to rear its ugly head. We must know what to do in these scenarios. Stay ready, my ADHD friends.