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The Limiting Nature of Politics
Politics is “the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.”
Politics is a show. Wealth and power are taken indirectly through the state instead of directly through banditry. Threats are made, laws are passed, and you will be made to follow the edicts. This civilized brutality is all politics can be.
We know that politicians and corporate donors are friends and exchange talent constantly. We know the system is rigged against the little guy. We also know that we will have to choose the “lesser of two evils,” and that reality is disturbing.
These reasons and many others are why I’ve just given up on politics.
Politics As A Distraction
I have three life goals:
Be the best father and the best husband
Tell better stories that enrich individuals and inspire them to greatness
Be happy and virtuous
Politics does not help me accomplish these tasks. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, our government wasn’t crazy and wasteful. Even at its best, the government can’t learn skills for me. They can’t be a good father on my behalf. I must do these things. Thus, with my limited time, it makes little sense to focus on politics.
Politics has only provided me with an emotional high. I haven’t learned anything from politicians or gained much from the laws and edicts they pass. I seek political discourse to be enraged or "prove my superiority.” And at the end of it, I have nothing to show for my participation.
I Won’t Completely Disengage
On my best days, I consider myself an anarchist. However, I am keenly aware of the nature of power and the inevitability of a state.
Of course, politics is interested in me. Weak individuals will vote to take what I have. Politicians will blame me for society’s problems. Stupid laws will make my life harder.
Therefore, I’m not completely ignoring politics. I just won’t play the game that things will change for the better. There is no point in researching policy decisions, arguing for my preferred candidates, or hoping that the next guy in office will make things better.
I will cast my votes and shrug my shoulders at society's foolishness because nothing will change.
The solution to the world’s problems is personal responsibility. There is no other long-term, stable way to structure society. Individuals must produce more than they consume, control their vices, and live as virtuously as possible.
Unfortunately, this society will not overcome its evil. We will sink into chaos because the average man is chaotic. He is full of emotions and doesn’t know what he believes or why. His demons are in control, but he thinks himself free.
We must abandon laws, regulations, pundits, and politics and focus on improving ourselves.
What I’m Doing/My Advice To You
Focus on your goals. Whatever you are obsessed with, give that your time. You can pour your life into politics and never see the world change for the better. Therefore, push yourself in the direction that speaks most to you.
Being engaged in politics will not calm your nerves. I’ve had to accept that not knowing what is happening is what improves mental health.
Accept that politics will take a liking to you. Laws will be passed, regulations dropped, and other stupid edicts imposed upon your life. Therefore, seek to idiot-proof your life. The government lockdowns for COVID-19 are excellent examples of idiot moves that destroyed everything. Have multiple income streams, build your community, and care for your health. These improvements make you less fragile.
Stop distracting yourself with everything. I’m not watching YouTube videos from streamers arguing about whatever. Don’t watch the pundits and think tanks. Get the hell away from all of it. Your goal should be not knowing what is happening in the country at any given moment. Trust me, the “discourse” of weak individuals is not more important than your virtuous ends.
Vote when appropriate. Protests are a waste of time. The rich will continue to get rich. Try to steer yourself in that direction by studying what the rich do instead of protesting them. Politicians do not care about “your voice.” They will not pivot away from exploiting the average person.
As I said, my goal is to improve as a writer, artist, and creator. I want to tell stories. To achieve that goal, I have to cut back.
As I always advise, Become An Individual. The problems in your life and in society will not be resolved eternally. Only through virtue can we stabilize our lives and ourselves.
Become An Individual:
RETHINKING POWER AND THE STATE: AN INDIVIDUALIST CRITICIZES THE GOVERNMENT - Dive into a critical examination of government inefficiency, the individualist’s view on state power, and the importance of individual liberty in political philosophy.
YOU MUST THINK BEYOND 8TH GRADE CIVICS - Today, we will explore the “8th-grade civics” mindset: what it is, why it’s terrible, and how to think differently.
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