Andy Byron built a vast domain reaching toward the cosmos, only to see it collapse dramatically back to the ground, plummeting like a rocket shaped like a phallic symbol.
Such errors eventually come to light, and it's evident they weren't ready for it. Poor fellow. So much work put into establishing an astronomy business, only to see it crumble like a house built from celestial symbols.
The public was abuzz, with harsh remarks and empathetic comments that echoed, "Oh no, our alcoholic friend has relapsed once more." Yet beneath all the criticism, the real question lingers: How could someone so intelligent act so foolishly? Why didn't he just get a divorce first? Why not manage it properly?
Perhaps it was pride or perhaps it was anxiety. Or maybe it was simply due to a crucial discussion that never occurred. Even with our advanced technology, luxurious timepieces, and modern AI therapy applications, humanity has yet to solve the "infidelity equation."
I wonder if they ever discussed this fact: that when men think about sex, their brains activate almost twice as much as women's. And this desire doesn't stem from logic or loneliness; it originates from something more fundamental. Deep-rooted. Innate. In the shadowy areas of the brain, beyond logic and remorse, there exists a lizard resting in calm water. It doesn't communicate. It only releases a rhythmic craving, like an ancient swamp, waiting for motion.
A companion once shared with me the reptile within his mind, a primitive, dark realm where desire dominates, surpassing all reason and remorse. Regardless of how refined men may be, they all possess this instinct—warmth, intimacy, a look that feels fresh. The male mind, much like a wild animal, is constantly watchful, scanning for its next meal.
But longing is not a justification. It requires attention, discussion, and work. That same friend sat down and honestly discussed his reptilian instincts with his wife. Fortunately, she was receptive. They worked together to create a barrier. Most people, however, simply flee, like zookeepers who run when the crocodile gets loose.
Asians adopt a distinct method. Someone once claimed that Westerners are more prone to cheating, and the CEO of the Astronomer certainly did not do anything to dispel that stereotype. However, I attempted to clarify.
No, there isn't a cultural 'menu' in the West similar to what exists in Vietnam. There are no late-night massage parlors, no evening cafés, no questionable 'services,' or enigmatic cuddling under red lights and shadows, fishing and lady services (which I've only heard about, not verified to be real, but find amusing).
However, it's only fair to say that Vietnamese people possess a strong cultural method to maintain order: jealousy-driven fights.
One factor that keeps Vietnamese men in order, similar to the unstable handrails on the third floor of a karaoke bar, is the jealous fighting. It's no longer just loud arguments. Over time, it has developed into a contemporary version of traditional performance art. There are stages, precise timing, and lighting. Production crews that surpass those on national television. I've watched the videos, read the subtitles, and I'm still tormented.
If Byron were living in Ho Chi Minh City, his wife wouldn't simply erase his last name without a fight. Instead, she'd share a story with the soundtrack "First love never fades," gently playing as a picture of unusual slippers by the entrance is shown. She would then gather her group of friends, reserve a café with reliable Wi-Fi, and initiate a well-planned attack, broadcasted in full 4K with high-quality microphones, ring lights, and three different camera perspectives. TikTok. Facebook. Zalo. Everything ready. Within 15 minutes, the mistress's official ID and middle school records would show up in the comments, causing a frenzy, and the internet would go wild.
All of this is merely a cultural reaction to one biological reality: men possess stronger sexual desires. The more power they hold, the greater the temptation they face. This inclination is already in place. However, desire is not an excuse. It simply means that effort is required. Men must sit down and have an honest conversation with their wives—something as challenging as traveling to the moon. No artificial intelligence can rescue us from this issue. No therapist can help. Not even Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, who once wrote: "Everybody knows that you've been faithful, Oh, give or take a night or two."
I continue to ponder: why do these massive, recurring failures keep occurring? Infidelity. Treachery. Disintegration. People claim, "It's evil!" and express moral disapproval. However, I choose to step back whenever I hear terms like "evil" or "good." I put on my anthropology lens and observe humans as if they were ants. As another species. From a distance, it often becomes clearer.
My companion, after courageously discussing the crocodile hiding in the depths of his thoughts with his spouse, discovered a method to manage it. He started attending church more frequently, where the beastly mind could be redirected through prayers such as, "Lead us not into temptation." Alternatively, through Buddhism, he practiced mindfulness to watch and let go of cravings. He occupied himself with creative and constructive routines. He steered clear of alcohol and stayed away from gym-related temptations. He transformed into a man of stoic discipline, with a fortified wall of faith and a loaded revolver of determination, prepared to fire when the wild creature knocked once more.
Perhaps that CEO wasn't wicked. Maybe he was simply negligent. Perhaps the relationship had already concluded, yet he was unable to acknowledge it. What he might have required, possibly, was a single truthful discussion. At the appropriate moment.
*Jesse Peterson is a writer who has released several books in Vietnamese, such as "Jesse Cười," "Funny Tragedy: adding color to life."