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Tag: freedom
Without government, wouldn’t warlords take over?
If you believe government is needed, and someone suggests that it isn’t, you might be rather distressed. You might start to picture bands of rogues roving the land without cease, raping and stealing. In the minds of many statists, this fear is so real that it seems certain. But of course, little is certain in life, and we can no more say for sure that warlords will take over than we can say that they won’t. However, we can at least begin to estimate the likelihood.
If you’re like most people, it’s almost certain that you are threatened by group of people which claims to help you, a group which takes your money without asking first. Just as we can’t be sure that warlords won’t take over in a stateless society, it’s not certain that this violent group won’t grow larger, to expand to a level of control where many are fearful and even people with friends in high places can be destroyed without anyone being punished. In fact, such a case is much more likely to be found in a society with a state, than a society without a state, as the power structures are already there. In a stateless society, if these structures form, they’re likely to be smaller. It’s easier to go from 8 to 10 than it is to go from 0 to 10.
In the end, the reason cling onto these ideas is because of a deep-seated fear. People want to feel like everything is under control, even if it’s by a someone who, in their hearts, they know is a devil. Their fear leads them to fearmonger, spilling endless “what if” cases, none of which can be allayed by logic alone. As I said, nothing in life is certain. Yet, by embracing our uncertainty, and our fears, we can learn to overcome them. It’s scary to stand at the edge of darkness, not knowing what lies within. It takes heart to put your foot over that threshold, yet, that is the only way that humans grow – by putting ourselves in realms where nothing is sure, but everything is possible. Screw your courage to the sticking place, and feel just for a moment, what it would mean to be free.
Integrity – A Man’s Gotta Have a Code Part 1: Link McElvenny & Mr. J. – Episode 135
The Story: Values, principles and ideals
Many people go through this life without thinking too deeply about what it is they value, what they would be willing to die for, and what they would be willing to kill for. It takes an uncommon man to consider the question deeply, and an even rarer man to follow through with his decision when the chips are down. Undoubtedly, people fail in this process all the time, but when you see someone make one of those tough choices, putting his principles above his bank balance, or his integrity before gratification, it can inspire you, and make you wonder: if one soul can stand so firm, firmer than old concrete, what else might it be able to achieve?
In this episode, Kurt is joined by two friends and collaborators, Link McElvenny and Mr. J. to discuss their ideas on the codes, principles, values and frameworks which they use to make decisions, and guide themselves through interesting lives. We discuss liberty, the non-aggression principle, non-violence, masculine and feminine polarity, trying to help others to gain a more empowering perspective, open-mindedness, and the difference between eastern and western views of teaching and learning.
Join us in this next soul-challenging, introspective, middle-path-walking episode of The Paradise Paradox!
The Eps:
Down at the ashram: Link McElvenny
The Cash:
If you enjoy our posts, please have a look at The Paradise Paradox’s page on Steemit where you can join, earn money, and upvote our posts to help support the show! You can also find a lot of additional content which is not posted on this site, with Kurt’s posts on Steemit and Aaron’s posts on Steemit.
We really appreciate all of your contributions! Every cent and satoshi we receive lets us know that we’re doing something worthwhile, that you are entertained by our program, and that you’re starting to question what you know more and more. Please be generous. Donate to The Paradise Paradox. Or buy some stuff on Amazon using this link. Or buy some of our great T-shirts here.
The Episode:
To download the audio, right click and press “save as”.
Remember to subscribe on iTunes or subscribe on Pocket Casts.
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t keep it a secret! Feel free to share it on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, or your office bathroom wall.
Captains of our own destinies
With most of the world raving about the presidential election in the US, it can seem that your fate rests in the hands of a sociopath who thousands of miles away. The truth is, unless you’re being harassed by bureaucrats or police officers every day, you probably still have a lot of freedom in your life. Every breath and every step is an act of liberty, so choose them wisely.
Watch the full episode here: 2016 election: The two clown show.
There’s no such thing as rights – only what you negotiate: Anam Paiseanta
Anam Paiseanta explains his ideas on why rights don’t exist, and why keeping firearms can be so important – especially when negotiating with violent gangs.
Transcript
Anam Paiseanta: To have maybe an educated opinion about [gun control], we have to look at some of the other ideas we’ve inherited. It seems natural for anarchists to be pro-gun, because we understand that there are no such things as rights, right. There’s only what you negotiate.
The idea of rights – who gave us this idea of rights? Like there’s a package of benefits that you just ‘get’. Who gave us that idea? There’s not, that’s an illusion. And if we just started to see the world as – there’s just this playing field and then the results are whatever you negotiate.
Like a soccer team or a football team enters. There’s a field, it’s level, there’s a goal on either end. There’s lines that segment the field. There’s a team that opposes you, this could be seen as the obstacles in life. Then there’s the ball, there’s your effort, and there’s the network of people you can form who support you in your goals – literally in your goals – there’s a metaphor for you.
Which team has the rights to a goal? The idea doesn’t even make sense. There’s no goal unless you negotiate one. As we’re going through life, there are no rights, there’s only what you negotiate. When you’re negotiating with people in voluntary relationships, you have to come by adding value. And when you’re negotiating with gangs, even really organized gangs, that all wear the same color clothing, and have insignias that they all belong to the same gang, and they all have guns, and they come to the negotiation not with words, not with pieces of paper that are promises – they come to the negotiation with guns. And a lot of times, they act to take away your right to your body, your right to your product, your right to your free movement. So these are the three aspects of the self – your present, your future and your past self, right. Your body, your movement, and your product – things you spent labor or time on yesterday in order to acquire.
So how do you negotiate with these people? Because there’s no rights – there’s only what you negotiate.
So although I am all for peace, and I seek to contribute to a society that generates peace because it’s just, and it’s just because it’s voluntary – I recognize that, we don’t yet live in that society. And just like every eagle has claws and every gazelle has horns, and the ability to run away from its predators, and every animal on Earth has some kind of mechanism or apparatus to defend itself, I think that humans should not be the only animal
*Holds up rifle*
that gives away its ability to defend itself to its only predators – which would be other humans.
Anam Paiseanta: The peaceful political revolution – Episode 127
The Story: The peaceful political revolution
There is a natural phenomenon happening where ‘very normal’ people find themselves asking obvious and straightforward questions about everyday things. What’s happening to the weather? What’s happening to my neighbourhood? What’s happening to my investments? Many people can feel that there is something not right. These occurrences are now increasing, the questions are growing, people are peeling back the layers of illusion and asking for truth.
Now we live in a very different and very connected world, where social media and alternative media channels have been fueling ‘the awakening’. The sharing of knowledge, truth and ideas is having a massive effect in the fight to increase awareness. For all of us this is an on-going process, and the spiritual shift is now well underway, though we still have a long way to go.
In this episode Anam Paiseanta joins us to explain that we, as a society, must evolve individually, and join together, to consciously out grow of the current political system. The personal principles needed to get us all moving in the right direction can be found in anarchism. These are all ‘normal’ things – the love and respect for mankind, justice, cooperation, voluntaryism, the non-aggression-principle, personality responsibility and self-ownership. Your personal evolution will path the way to a much larger and social and political revolution. Anam also tells us about the progress on his team’s “Connector” app, which will allow people to connect with like-minded individuals, and even form hidden, counter-economies among themselves.
Here is where Anam’s formula of “A-Cubed” or “the three A’s” is leading to the evolution that enables the real world revolution:
1. Awakening – Sharing knowledge, memes – reminding each other of truth
2. Activism – Prevention of government indoctrination by educating the youth, alternative schooling
3. Agorism – Projects – Counter-economics, creating the new system, what can I do to add value?
The time is now – to tune in and turn up. The Paradise Paradox presents Anam Paiseanta!
The Eps:
Anam Paiseanta – Living rent free
The Links:
Anam speaks at Real Sons of Anarchy
Three Friends Free: A Children’s Story of Voluntarism
Connector App – Meet friends you haven’t met yet
How to make homemade sauerkraut
The Cash:
If you enjoy our posts, please have a look at The Paradise Paradox’s page on Steemit where you can join, earn money, and upvote our posts to help support the show! You can also find a lot of additional content which is not posted on this site, with Kurt’s posts on Steemit and Aaron’s posts on Steemit.
We really appreciate all of your contributions! Every cent and satoshi we receive lets us know that we’re doing something worthwhile, that you are entertained by our program, and that you’re starting to question what you know more and more. Please be generous. Donate to The Paradise Paradox. Or buy some stuff on Amazon using this link. Or buy some of our great T-shirts here.
The Episode:
To download the audio, right click and press “save as”.
Remember to subscribe on iTunes or subscribe on Pocket Casts.
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t keep it a secret! Feel free to share it on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, or your office bathroom wall.
The most dangerous man in your world – Episode 124
The most dangerous man in your world – Episode 124
In this episode we are going for a man hunt, who is the most dangerous man in the world? In normal life, this is such a silly question, but lets play with it out. For ‘someone’ to be dangerous to you, they need to be real person that is actually in your reality. Generally a dangerous person is someone that is able or likely to cause you harm or injury, most people will never cross paths with a person in this category. However, television will create this concern and pump the message that terrorists are dangerous, yet I have never seen one and personally don’t know any.
Here is the idea: In my world, I am the most dangerous man in the world – this is because I am taking responsibility for the happenings within my reality. This is based on the idea that we all have our own individual created worlds, which is based on personal perspectives and belief systems.
Freedom via belief systems
In order to free our minds we must reconsider the rules of the game. We have all accepted a set of organised beliefs which guide our lives and sent the boundaries of our reality. which the majority have been passed on to us without any second thought.
Here is a definition from wikipedia: “A belief system is a set of mutually supportive beliefs. The beliefs of any such system can be classified as religious, philosophical, ideological, or a combination of these”. Another definition that might make more sense is: ‘Belief systems are the stories we tell ourselves to define our personal sense of Reality’ (Pdf).
Lets not see the world so subjective, there is no longer right and wrong, things just are as they are. Your mind can decide your preferences, you know deep in your soul that there are many paths, some easy and others hard. What you would prefer to deal with and how much you can you load your plate.
Becoming an ideas generator
Its important that we are have our own ideas and constantly have flow of fresh ideas. Free thinking opens you mind to new ideas rather than shutting down those ideas that don’t fit into your current belief systems. An open mind allows new thought to drop into your mind on a random basis. Not all ideas are unique and ideas are often not always yours. Ideas tend to be associated and are often sparked by your immediate surroundings.
Now be honest with your self, how many ideas do you have? How often does a new idea spontaneously pop up? Ideas require attention, otherwise like friends they will stop dropping in. If you are one who thinks they don’t generate many ideas, start an idea journal – you would be surprised how many ideas you have, but haven’t noticed. To help yourself join and birth more ideas – try exposing yourself to alternative topics and interest groups. This is as simple as reading genres that are not naturally on your personal list.
Bugging out on a daily basis
Bugging out concerns taking preventative planning, this is about taking your ideas and putting and creating action. How does one do this? Committing yourself your ideas with complete belief – changes the way you choose to live your life. Knowing that your idea is going to make your world better should be enough to get yourself started.
Trusting that the path is open for you to follow through will clear any speed bumps from your desired direction. The action doesn’t need to be of any great size, little steps for the greater good will open new realities. Your sheer positive intention will create the needed momentum. Being prepared for your day will take the average joe from zero to hero.
We don’t need to plan for the emergency scenario situations, at least not at first. Pack for your average day out with a few surprise items, matches, water bottle, bandaids, pair socks for your partner and your favourite machete.
One last thing once packed – don’t leave home without your day game back pack.
The Eps:
Episode 25 – Nectar of Life
How does it feel to be free
Our ideas
The Links:
The Cash:
If you enjoy our posts, please have a look at The Paradise Paradox’s page on Steemit where you can join, earn money, and upvote our posts to help support the show! You can also find a lot of additional content which is not posted on this site, with Kurt’s posts on Steemit and Aaron’s posts on Steemit.
We really appreciate all of your contributions! Every cent and satoshi we receive lets us know that we’re doing something worthwhile, that you are entertained by our program, and that you’re starting to question what you know more and more. Please be generous. Donate to The Paradise Paradox. Or buy some stuff on Amazon using this link. Or buy some of our great T-shirts here.
The Episode:
To download the audio, right click and press “save as”.
Remember to subscribe on iTunes or subscribe on Pocket Casts.
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t keep it a secret! Feel free to share it on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, or your office bathroom wall.
Episode 113 – Non-Aggression Principle – Anarchapulco Nights
The Episode:
How we celebrate the newest annual Mexican holiday that represents freedom for our fellow human… Anarchapulco!
To download the audio, right click and press “save as”.
Remember to subscribe on iTunes or subscribe on Pocket Casts.
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t keep it a secret! Feel free to share it on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, or your office bathroom wall.
The Cash:
We really appreciate all of your contributions! Every cent and satoshi we receive lets us know that we’re doing something worthwhile, that you are entertained by our program, and that you’re starting to question what you know more and more. Please be generous. Donate to The Paradise Paradox. Or buy some stuff on Amazon using this link. Or buy some of our great T-shirts here.
The Story:
Everyone has their favourite holiday season, we all love the summer break, Christmas and Easter. As for myself and many other free minds we celebrate ideas and giving freedom to our fellow man. This event like many other holidays only happens once a year, it has become the new perfect reason to quit your job, to retire or at least take a few weeks off work. Kurt and I have attended this event for 2 years running – and many others that attended decided to remain in Acapulco, either way – see you at Anarchapulco!
Here we have for you another behind the scenes episode of the greatest event, being ‘Anarchapulco’. In this episode we discuss how important Anarchapulco has become for the Paradise Paradox. For the reason that there is an interesting dynamic that is cultivated at this event. Firstly everyone brings shared values and when spending time with many many people that understand and seek similar passions, there is a light generated at the end of the tunnel. We choose peace, love and Anarchy and this holiday/conference is celebrated in Acapulco, Mexico.
In the second half of this episode Kurt explains to me an important principle, which many understand and follow in their everyday lives. Basically this principle outlines that one should not inflict violence against others. However, this principal has much deeper implications, that many may not have considered. Have you asked yourself – Where do I draw the line when others want to inflict violence against me? or, how do I feel about living in a society that threatens violence to control people? At what level am I willing to accept violence in my life..? These are the questions that leaves one wondering… if our society is so modern and civilised why do bodies of governance lower themselves to such medieval ways?
The Eps:
Anarcho-Superheroes – Anarchapulco Nights 2016
Liberty Hip Hop Live at Anarchapulco 2016
Closet Communist – Anarchapulco Nights 2016
The Links:
A Rational Principle of Ethics and Liberty
How does it feel to be free?
To download the audio, right click and press “save as”.
How does it feel to be free?
When you know that nobody can make demands of you. When you know that you are the greatest authority in your life. When you know you get to choose what you can do, and others can choose what is right for them. How does it feel to be free?
When you can travel the world without asking permission, without having to pay to pass an imaginary line. When the skies and the world are open like a great big adventure. When you can cross a continent, without having to prove to anybody who you are. When your face is your passport. How does it feel to be free?
When you can work for whom you like, and whoever likes can work for you, in the way you both choose. When you know your life is your own responsibility, and you know it’s your responsibility to take care of those around you. When you never say “Someone (else) should do something about it.” How does it feel to be free?
When your projects grow like spearmint on a wild and open plain. When you don’t need a licence to innovate. When you know you can make it, because the evidence is all around you. How does it feel to be free?
When everyone you love, you do so not because you’ve been trained to do so, not because you’ve been forced to do so, but because you choose it. When everything you hold dear sits in that purest place of your heart. When your beliefs are aligned with your spirit. How does it feel to be free?
How does it feel? That’s how you should feel.
Cover image modified and used under Creative Commons – https://moyanbrenn.com/
Episode 110 – Anarcho-Superheroes Anarchapulco Nights 2016
The Episode:
To download the audio, right click and press “save as”.
Remember to subscribe on iTunes or subscribe on Pocket Casts.
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t keep it a secret! Feel free to share it on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, or your office bathroom wall.
The Cash:
We really appreciate all of your contributions! Every cent and satoshi we receive lets us know that we’re doing something worthwhile, that you are entertained by our program, and that you’re starting to question what you know more and more. Please be generous. Donate to The Paradise Paradox. Or buy some stuff on Amazon using this link. Or buy some of our great T-shirts here.
The Story:
This could be one of my favourite PP-Dice-Dox themes ‘Anarchapulco Nights!’ In this episode Kurt and I discuss more of our personal experiences from the largest anarchist conference in the world, Anarchapulco! The conference itself offers packed days of paradigm shattering topics and long nights of thought provoking discussions – which takes a solid toll on the minds eye.
In this episode we share a few funny stories from behind the scenes. As well as the weirdness of being around so many interesting super heroes. Attending the event immerses you in an empowering scene with so many inspiring people. This could be a rare experience for many of us. However, when sharing your own personal story, you may realise that we all have the capacity to be inspiring, when and if you are willing to make the leap.
The Eps:
Liberty Hip Hop Live at Anarchapulco 2016
Anarchapulco Nights – Closet Communist
Using Sustainable Agriculture To Make A Cooperative Earth: Kenny Palurintano
Anarchist Adventurer Kenny Palurintano