Being someone who didn't join a gang in prison was a nightmare. It's commonly seen as having a death wish. I was no exception. However, what began as my greatest vulnerability later turned into my greatest strength. Had I known what I was getting myself into, I would not have chosen that path were there any other options available. That said, looking back, I couldn't imagine having done it any other way.
Ted Gioia calls his Substack "The Honest Broker." He tells a story that resonates with what you are describing (albeit one that took place in the straight world) about how he found that title; in every social environment there is one man who is respected by all for his honesty and his ability to find the win-win solution. His task as an advocate for his employer's business interests was often to find the local honest broker, the only man who could make a deal happen that would be maximally beneficial for all involved. It sounds like you were the honest broker of your prison.
Ted Gioia calls his Substack "The Honest Broker." He tells a story that resonates with what you are describing (albeit one that took place in the straight world) about how he found that title; in every social environment there is one man who is respected by all for his honesty and his ability to find the win-win solution. His task as an advocate for his employer's business interests was often to find the local honest broker, the only man who could make a deal happen that would be maximally beneficial for all involved. It sounds like you were the honest broker of your prison.
Thank you for the fascinating insight.