Raymond Tusk on Decision Making "Decisions based on emotion are not decisions at all." ** **-Raymond Tusk "Chapter 12" House of Cards
Raymond Tusk, a calculating billionaire, and Frank Underwood, a machiavellian Congressman, are walking in the woods. Underwood is secretly seeking the Vice Presidency, which is currently vacant. The president has tapped Tusk for the spot, but Tusk is reluctant. Underwood volunteers to travel to Tusk's home in an attempt to woo Tusk into accepting the President's offer. His real motive is to size up his new nemesis.
The juxtaposition in this scene is a great one. Though they have both ended up as powerful men, their chosen life paths are very different. Their clothing draws a more visual contrast of their characters. Also, their comfort level amongst God's creation is very telling. I wouldn't consider Tusk a Stoic overall, but he serves as a decent representation in this moment, especially when compared to such an unscrupulous anti-hero as Underwood.
Tusk and Underwood could not have achieved their goals more differently. Tusk is a billionaire and businessman who has used intelligence and hard work to build an empire around himself. He knows his own trade and has even taught himself Chinese to communicate with business partners. He also is seen in several scenes doing things for himself that he could obviously pay people to do. No personal chef here, Tusk is making his own bacon in the morning. Underwood is a career politician that has never really held a "real job." He has clawed his way up the political ladder through lies and manipulation. He enjoys the luxuries of his office, such as having his personal security detail.
The outward appearance of the two is an illustration of the differences within. Underwood is a portrait of the modern Machiavelli. He is wearing a neat suit and tie, with shiny shoes and a clean shaven face. Tusk, the billionaire, looks ready for a safari. His clothing appears comfortable and functional. He even has a pair of binoculars slung around his neck.
Apparently deep in the forest, the two gentlemen have very different comfort levels. Underwood is tense and confused about why they are walking in the woods. He even had off handedly remarked that he would've rather been touring one of Tusk's nuclear power plants. Tusk is at ease, strolling with purpose and direction. He knows where he is going and what he is looking for. Tusk laughed at the power plant suggestion, remarking that he much rather spend his time in the great outdoors.
A Stoic uses his reason and intelligence to make decisions, despite his emotional urges. This can result in worldly success for him, though he doesn't actively pursue it, per se. He dresses simply and functionally, not putting great emphasis on flashy possessions. The Stoic also loves and celebrates nature and sees his role in it. He will often look to lessons from the natural world around him to show him how he can live more in accordance with his own nature.