Where We Are

Goal

This week, I discuss the unhealthy nature of our society and what an individual can do in response.

Table of Contents

• Where We Are: Your World Isn’t Healthy
• What Can You Do?
  • 1) Accept that this is outside of your control
  • 2) Stop taking this society seriously – focus on thriving
  • 3) Abadon your vices
  • 4) Get in shape
  • 5) Take care of your responsibilities
• Where We Are: Society Is Not In The Best Place, But You Can Be Different
• Actionables

Where We Are: Your World Isn’t Healthy

Riots, government tyranny, addictions, and so on. And what does modern man have to offer for his world falling apart? Snarky tweets.

Where does the liberal west find itself? We are drugged out, depressed, lost. Our governments actively destroy economies, lives, and families. The average man is addicted to everything from porn to cartoons to junk food.

The weak individual lacks self-control, and because of this, his life is in shambles. Seemingly, he has no future, and his passions are determined by the “current thing” being pushed by the elites.

And how should individualists proceed? On a societal and individual level, everything is corrupt and broken. There are dangers everywhere. However, it is essential not to give up or despair. The individualist is always capable of surviving the madness of his fellow man.

What Can You Do?

Today, I cover the five best ways to respond to the frenzy of your world so that you can protect yourself, your family, and hopefully your future. The following list will require your best self. But if you excel here, you will flourish and hopefully escape the world we must suffer.

1) Accept that this is outside of your control

“Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness.” – Ayn Rand

Your society’s degradation is not something you can directly influence. Things such as rising inflation, higher gas prices, ridiculous hot takes, and more cannot be directly controlled by you.

Weak individuals will always make stupid decisions. Systems such as welfare have existed long before you and will always gain support. Arguing against your co-worker’s collectivist ways will not turn back the clock.

I’m not saying do nothing. However, I am saying that you have to prioritize. Recognize that your family, friends, and most virtuous self need you. Accept that nearly all of this mayhem is outside of your control. Then, direct your emotional energy elsewhere.

2) Stop taking this society seriously – focus on thriving

We truly live in a clown world. A world where virtues don’t matter but vices are celebrated. A world where elementary hot takes replace nuanced discussions about complex issues. Where presidents and leaders can lie with impunity, and the local idiot eats it up with eagerness.

My solution is to accept this farce. You don’t have to take any of the turmoil seriously. I don’t get angry at people not caring about crime rates – I simply up my home security and expect the worst. I don’t get mad at people whining about helping the homeless they never care about – I simply help those in need. I don’t concern myself with idiot politicians gleefully killing entire economies – I save and plan and diversify my revenue streams.

I stop taking the world seriously and work on making whatever I can influence that much better.

3) Abadon your vices

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” – Ayn Rand

Your vices will always bring a cost. Destroying or fiercely regulating your comforts is the only way to move forward. The more vices you have, the more anxious you feel. Why? Because vices represent how little control you have over yourself. And if you have little control over yourself, then tragedy will hurt you that much more.

Therefore, always list out your vices: porn, video games, gossiping, junk food, and so on. Focus on the most heinous ones, like pornography, and work towards eliminating them. However, you must want to defeat these vices. If you need professional help, then seek it.

Secondly, look at the more “normal” or “harmless” vices. Which ones can you get rid of? And which ones can you keep but move into a reward system? Whenever you have a massive victory, your vice becomes a reward, symbolizing a job well done. These pleasures are no longer evils to be ashamed of – they are gifts to be enjoyed and earned.

4) Get in shape

Exercise calms your mind and gives you more protection.

Physical fitness helps clear your mind and give you confidence in yourself. If you can routinely endure pain during an exercise session, you train your mind to survive pain in the darkest times.

Additionally, physical fitness helps you defend yourself and what matters most. Regardless of what the media tells you, there are violent people in society. It is essential to learn how to protect yourself from them. Having the ability to run faster or throw a punch are great ways to keep yourself safe from predators.

5) Take care of your responsibilities

When you ensure your responsibilities are handled, you can become more confident in your path. For example, if you know your bills are paid, do you worry about them? Having a lighter bank account is better than worrying about late fees or bill collectors calling you.

Therefore, take stock of your life. Do you have children? What do you need to do at work? Who are good people that you could be supporting? And so on. Figure out how you can excel at your job or help good people.

When you handle your responsibilities, you know your life is proceeding in productive, virtuous ways. Thus, never avoid doing what you ought to do.

Where We Are: Society Is Not In The Best Place, But You Can Be Different

“What greater wealth is there than to own your life and to spend it on growing? Every living thing must grow. It can’t stand still. It must grow or perish.” – Ayn Rand

Society is corrupt but necessary. You should always respond to such brokenness with fortitude and discipline.

You cannot change the course. There are too many intricate systems and stale ideologies in your way. You can support movements and political parties that will try to turn the tide. But ultimately, all you can directly control is yourself.

Thus, focus on your self-improvement. Build your community and embrace personal responsibility. Follow the steps above, and you will be in a better place to respond to and process the brokenness all around you.

Actionables

1. What scares you about the modern world?
2. What is one thing that you want to do differently in your life? For example, do you want to be in better shape or make more money? How do your goals help you thrive in a declining civilization?
3. Do you know anyone who doesn’t believe things are getting worse? Do they make sense? Are they too optimistic, or am I too pessimistic?
4. Do you consider yourself an outlier? If yes, how can you better utilize your unique position? Can you influence people through your talents or teach others how to learn the exceptional skills you have?

Please remember that it’s important to do the actionables. You’re not on this earth to simply read but to do. To become an individual, you must act more than you consume.

*Image credit to Unsplash.