Being a contrarian has value, but only when it’s practiced non-dogmatically. When the crowd is moving in a constructive direction, it can be useful to go along with the crowd. If going along with the crowd serves your priorities and principles, then to resist the crowd is to resist yourself. And that is the complete opposite of being self-authentic.
Tag: principles
On Political Libertinism
Much to my lament, many people don’t seem to hold any moral or ethical principles as it concerns the creation and support for legislated law. This is a type of libertinism, I would say. Political libertinism is the practice of disregarding all principles within the realm of public politics.
5 Tips to be Effective in Court
Getting traffic tickets sucks and defending yourself in court is a daunting task, but can be well worth the effort. You can be held in contempt for asking a question and let’s face it, traffic courts are run by criminals who are not interested in being fair. But, despite that, we still get tickets thrown out. Below are five proven tips to help you be more effective in court.
Serving Their Own Interests
Tremendous amounts of time and effort go into exposing the hypocrisy of particular politicians or political parties. But really, amigos, no one with even a passing familiarity with politics expects consistency from these persons and their umbrella institutions. Looking for a principled stance from them? Lots of luck with that.
Loud, Insecure Idiots
Don’t let the noise scare you or discourage you. Whether by intentional sabotage, “government”-created or otherwise, there has been, and will always be, some people trying to muddy, confuse, demonize and destroy the actual message of self-ownership and freedom.
Not Everything is Acceptable
I don’t judge people for what they wear, the color of their skin, their favorite food, the length of their hair (as long as they aren’t sporting a thug rug), their sex lives, their hobbies, or whatever, but I’m convinced it’s OK to judge people for archating. In fact, it’s probably essential.
The Danger of Discipline without Direction
The value of finishing a task is relative to what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. If finishing a task makes you a better human being and you genuinely believe that it’s the right choice for you, then you should finish what you started even it’s uncomfortable. If sticking with a task robs you of your time, your money, your health, your joy, or anything else that really matters to you, then it’s self-defeating to keep going merely for the sake of proving to others that you’re a disciplined person.
You and Your “Laws”
If you claim to honor the Constitution, and you want a law enforced that’s not allowed by the Constitution (which is therefore not a real law even by your questionable standards), you are mixed up.
Scarcity
It seems to me that there are 3 kinds of scarcity: 1) natural, 2) monopolistic, and 3) creative. The first and third are conducive to free markets. The second can produce horrors.
Regret, Remorse, & Resistance
No matter what you choose to do, it’s possible to get stuck in the trap of believing you would have been much happier, healthier, and richer if you had taken the other path. We usually work very hard to avoid regret before making big decisions. “I could do this really practical thing over here, but I’ll regret it forever if I don’t try that really artistic thing over there.” The real work, however, begins after you’ve ran all those calculations.