I found expecially the last paragraph very powerful.
It is rare that beyond the analysis, one finds encouraging words. We who are aware of the absurdity of the political intervention, often despair on the foreseen outcome for our future, especially regarding infringement on our freedom, but increasingly also the impact on our general (mental and physical) health, be it through medicine/vaccines of unknown nature or due to less freedom to exercise sports and any human activity that makes us human and strenthens our immune system and general enjoyment of life.
The last few lines give some hope that there may be some residual legacy that may change (other) aspects of our lives for the better, even if it is on a longer term. I wish more pieces like this would see daylight that deal with those points in depth and how those of us that are aware of opportunities may capitalize upon these.
I find myself having a lot of energy to create awareness in my direct environment on the topic of "what you should REALLY be fearful of", i.e. government control, censorship, loss of general health, etc., instead of a plandemic that cannot be prevented with these measures as nature will have its way. It is not energy that is channeled usefully though and dealing with these topics increases my gloom, it frustrates those that I am trying to wake up and generally does not work on solutions that may give a more positive spin on the topics you mentioned in your last phrases, like the decline of mass manipulation through conventional media due to general mistrust.
In case you have any information on discussion groups where such topics are handled more in-depth, I would appreciate any links for participation.
Thank you for the kind feedback! I agree, it can be very discouraging when we ponder the challenge of statism. The COVID hysteria has made this point even more clear. However, I try to focus on the long term, because I find the short term details to be overwhelming. True, we must be aware of the details along the way, but at least I try to see them in the perspective of the long term. I also try to have positive hope for the future. If our hope is destroyed, then we have lost. The State can take away much from us, but when we give up hope, we've permitted them to take away part of ourselves. It's our responsibility to keep true to ourselves...we cannot blame the State for losing that.
VERY well written piece! I enjoyed the accuracy, how the topic was developed, but most importantly that you provided a solution, or rather how this virus hysteria will end. I began my own blog back in March to discuss these exact topics among others but they were not as eloquent. Mark, you discussed the "beliefs systems" when fear is involved. Has it also been your understanding that discussing the flaws of the current COVID "standards" rather the hysteria (e.g. wearing a mask, social distancing, etc.) has turned into the same process as discussing the flaws of religion to a religious person? Not trying to sift the focus to religion, but my point is that when someone believes something so strong, it is impossible to get them to see anything else or at least acknowledge a possible flaw in their thought process? I thank you for writing this article as I have given up trying to convince others of exactly what you stated (instead I'll share yours). Nevertheless, your words very much help people like us, feel that we are not "insane". Thank you for spreading empowerment!
Thank you so much for reading my essay and for the kind words.
I believe you are correct that there are similarities between the mindset I referred to in my essay, and religious belief. Namely, a suspension of the full use of our critical thinking skills. However, we have to be careful to distinguish the differences as well. A mass hysteria is short lived, and generally induced by a particular situation or person, and often from fear. A religious belief generally arises from the inertia of upbringing, but can also be adopted by explicit and conscious choice.
It is rare to encounter a religious believer who can apply full critical thinking to their belief, through and through (but they are out there). The vast majority cannot, and this is the similarity you pointed to.
I am a voluntaryist (which means, basically, live and let live – don’t initiate violence against others; expect this from others; and do not exempt anyone from this basic rule…even the State).
As a voluntaryist, I respect the rights of others to act and believe as they see fit, even though I may not agree or approve of their choices (again, so long as they do not initiate harm to others). By and large, religious people live peaceful lives and don’t hurt others. This is why I do not typically try to debate religion with them (even though I myself am an atheist).
Instead, I try to focus on the State. I consider this to be an indoctrinated belief whose harm far outweighs any harm we can imagine from religious belief. I am always willing to challenge a person to thinking critically and objectively about the legitimacy of government itself.
I can assure you this is a greater challenge than religious debates; the indoctrination that the State is legitimate seems to hold stronger sway in the public mind than even religion.
Thank you. I needed this. Since May, 2020 I have been saying to the annoyance of family and friends that this felt like Salem/And over, 1692
I found expecially the last paragraph very powerful.
It is rare that beyond the analysis, one finds encouraging words. We who are aware of the absurdity of the political intervention, often despair on the foreseen outcome for our future, especially regarding infringement on our freedom, but increasingly also the impact on our general (mental and physical) health, be it through medicine/vaccines of unknown nature or due to less freedom to exercise sports and any human activity that makes us human and strenthens our immune system and general enjoyment of life.
The last few lines give some hope that there may be some residual legacy that may change (other) aspects of our lives for the better, even if it is on a longer term. I wish more pieces like this would see daylight that deal with those points in depth and how those of us that are aware of opportunities may capitalize upon these.
I find myself having a lot of energy to create awareness in my direct environment on the topic of "what you should REALLY be fearful of", i.e. government control, censorship, loss of general health, etc., instead of a plandemic that cannot be prevented with these measures as nature will have its way. It is not energy that is channeled usefully though and dealing with these topics increases my gloom, it frustrates those that I am trying to wake up and generally does not work on solutions that may give a more positive spin on the topics you mentioned in your last phrases, like the decline of mass manipulation through conventional media due to general mistrust.
In case you have any information on discussion groups where such topics are handled more in-depth, I would appreciate any links for participation.
Keep up the good work in analyzing the situation!
Thank you for the kind feedback! I agree, it can be very discouraging when we ponder the challenge of statism. The COVID hysteria has made this point even more clear. However, I try to focus on the long term, because I find the short term details to be overwhelming. True, we must be aware of the details along the way, but at least I try to see them in the perspective of the long term. I also try to have positive hope for the future. If our hope is destroyed, then we have lost. The State can take away much from us, but when we give up hope, we've permitted them to take away part of ourselves. It's our responsibility to keep true to ourselves...we cannot blame the State for losing that.
Excellent piece of writing.
VERY well written piece! I enjoyed the accuracy, how the topic was developed, but most importantly that you provided a solution, or rather how this virus hysteria will end. I began my own blog back in March to discuss these exact topics among others but they were not as eloquent. Mark, you discussed the "beliefs systems" when fear is involved. Has it also been your understanding that discussing the flaws of the current COVID "standards" rather the hysteria (e.g. wearing a mask, social distancing, etc.) has turned into the same process as discussing the flaws of religion to a religious person? Not trying to sift the focus to religion, but my point is that when someone believes something so strong, it is impossible to get them to see anything else or at least acknowledge a possible flaw in their thought process? I thank you for writing this article as I have given up trying to convince others of exactly what you stated (instead I'll share yours). Nevertheless, your words very much help people like us, feel that we are not "insane". Thank you for spreading empowerment!
Hello David,
Thank you so much for reading my essay and for the kind words.
I believe you are correct that there are similarities between the mindset I referred to in my essay, and religious belief. Namely, a suspension of the full use of our critical thinking skills. However, we have to be careful to distinguish the differences as well. A mass hysteria is short lived, and generally induced by a particular situation or person, and often from fear. A religious belief generally arises from the inertia of upbringing, but can also be adopted by explicit and conscious choice.
It is rare to encounter a religious believer who can apply full critical thinking to their belief, through and through (but they are out there). The vast majority cannot, and this is the similarity you pointed to.
I am a voluntaryist (which means, basically, live and let live – don’t initiate violence against others; expect this from others; and do not exempt anyone from this basic rule…even the State).
As a voluntaryist, I respect the rights of others to act and believe as they see fit, even though I may not agree or approve of their choices (again, so long as they do not initiate harm to others). By and large, religious people live peaceful lives and don’t hurt others. This is why I do not typically try to debate religion with them (even though I myself am an atheist).
Instead, I try to focus on the State. I consider this to be an indoctrinated belief whose harm far outweighs any harm we can imagine from religious belief. I am always willing to challenge a person to thinking critically and objectively about the legitimacy of government itself.
I can assure you this is a greater challenge than religious debates; the indoctrination that the State is legitimate seems to hold stronger sway in the public mind than even religion.
Thank you again!