DaisyAnarchist

Okay, I overlooked this part when responding to your thread. I don't think that this is the case, because we see in more obviously-oppressed countries/economies that the people still advocate for government action and expansion in certain areas. I don't think my personal complaints about government, no matter how intense, will actually convince nonlibertarians that government is the reason they feel prevented from doing the things they want to do in life. That's a philosophical conclusion that the person in question has to arrive at themselves. I think the most we can do is provide the principles and arguments in as civil a manner as possible, and let the other person take those arguments how they will. I've actually convinced several people that they like anarchist principles, they just don't see the practicality of them. But I figure that's a step in the right direction. For a while I also thought anarchist principles were mostly idealistic, even though I really appreciated them as well. Then I began searching for practicality. Let me ask this: Did you arrive at anarchism because you felt prevented from doing certain things or having certain freedoms? I'm not entirely sure that that's why I arrived at anarchism. If anything, it was a more objective view that government wasn't handling problems in society very effectively. I think the very first thing that got me on my philosophical path to libertarianism was how much hatred and disdain I noticed that people in other countries held about this country. It wasn't so much that I felt personally violated or restricted, although in time that factored in as well. It's possible that that was a strong underlying reason for questioning government, I just didn't realize it at the time. So shouldn't you be asking, "What caused you to become fed up with government and pursue liberty?" ? I think the real reason that people don't recognize a lack of freedoms in this country is that they're taught from an early age that government is necessary. Media and public schools and other institutions push this manipulative hypnosis on children. Pledge loyalty to a piece of fabric, recite the declaration of independence, support the troops, read Lord of the Flies, go to school and learn nothing particularly useful there, learn obedience to authority figures, etc. etc... But how much of a choice do some parents have, when they need to work 9-5 to earn enough money to support their children? Other options also cost more. This is not to excuse the parents for never questioning why they feel they have to subject their children to public schooling, but I can at least understand that some parents are limited by options. The state has a tendency to limit options. It also helps to remember that I only recently became an anarchist. So, for about 20 years of my life, I didn't really question the school system, or government. I went through the same thought processes as a statist. It takes a lot of constantly reassessing personal values and beliefs to arrive at anarchism. This self-questioning and transformation process is not comfortable for a lot of people. Again, not excusing them, but I can see why blind contentedness so wide-spread.

Nice thread. I think for me, being a student with few marketable skills, I am frustrated by the fact that I can't sell any of my skills at a price that the employer and I personally negotiate on. I don't like that when I submit an application for employment to a given business, I have to work from a minimum price established by some party other than the buyer and seller. I am also frustrated that I cannot simply start up my own business without having to go through obtaining licenses/permits and having to pay taxes. I considered starting up a simple lawn business with a close friend of mine, but didn't like trying to weigh in whether to do it under the table (and not be able to do much advertising or develop a strong customer base) or go commercial and compete, which would have included startup costs that I don't think we could have covered. One does not simply start up a business. You would think entrepneurs would share this frustration, but it seems there are many big names still who support the government barriers to entry/exit in the market, and the regulations.

Thanks for your response, ChekhovsGun. Yes, my anxiety stems mainly from social situations and anticipation of social situations. That makes me feel a little better, in the sense that I know I don't hold myself back from things like going outside or in certain areas. Although, it makes me feel bad for those who have problems with that. I can imagine how debiliating it must be. I think, like any fear, anxiety can managed and dissipated. I believe I've actually dissipated some of it myself, even though I have a ways to go still. Slight rambling point, but I have an inclination to introvert as well, so even if I'm able to dissipate my fears, I'll probably still be the kind of person that prefers to extravert in small, intimate social settings, rather than at something like Porcfest. Oh, Florida! Awesome! Where in Florida are you? I'm just curious of a general area, you don't have to give the specific area. I'm below Gainesville. Would love to meet more anarchists in Florida if that's possible. I've met two so far, it was well-worth it both times, even though the second time produced a noticeable amount of that social anxiety. That wouldn't stop me from doing it again, though. Free-market anarchists tend to be really pleasant people.

I know this was two months ago, but what were you trying to argue, in this specific case? Do you remember? I have some thoughts about debating statists online. 1) Remain civil, and keep in mind that many anarchists started out as disillusioned statists. I say this because I have a tendency to forget that I used to be in the same boat as statists, and now I'm trying to draw lines that are too thick between myself and the person I'm having a discussion with. It's humbling to remember that government propaganda is everywhere, and that finding anarchy was quite a process. Don't respond to personal attacks, and if the person becomes repetitive either with such attacks or just repetitive in their arguing points, discontinue arguing. It's not worth it. I can usually tell when someone's genuinely interested in hearing what I have to say about anarchy, even if they don't agree with that philosophy. That person is worth talking to. They may ask things like, "but how will that work?" or make comments like, "well, that sounds nice, but..." etc. That's the person that potentially could change their minds down the road. I would know, I was the minarchist who used to think, "well, I like these anarchy principles, but..." Now I'm an anarchist. 2) Remember the point(s) you're trying to make. That's why I asked what point you were trying to make with that post on facebook. It is not clear to me what you were arguing, although it is evident that the person either became defensive ("if you're stating that my opinion is inferior") or you resorted to belittling them. I don't think you would, but I don't have the context of that conversation. 3) The person you're arguing with ultimately convinces themselves what they want to believe. Don't try too hard. You're there to transport the arguing points, not to change minds. It might help your case to say, "anarchy is the belief that how you live your life is none of my business. I can't impose my belief about government on you, because I don't believe in having government." People usually respond positively to that, even if they start saying things like, "yeah that's nice, but in reality, you have to do x because of y." They're the ones arguing to impose their beliefs onto you. Point out that flaw, and you might make some progress. Or people might get angry. But, yeah.

Kevin B: Well thank you. I'm glad you're doing better with that. Yes, the reality is is that right now I'm not mentally/emotionally prepared to go. The reason why I went from feeling excited to anxious doesn't make sense because I wasn't using reason. Without repeating what I already said, that's the essential reason as to why I was initially excited about the trip; it was an emotional impulse. I wanted to prove something to myself and to others. I have a hard time understanding why I do the things I do, so I apologize if this doesn't really clear things up. On the bright side, the close friend is okay with what I did. He took me up on my offer to make it up to him. Anders: Thanks for that advice. I can understand where you come from with that, I think I try to please others because I was neglected for 10 years by my father. Somewhere in the back of my head I think I blame myself for that. Would you say you feel the same, even though you know the neglect wasn't your fault? I am wondering why your rejection of a business opportunity almost caused you to lose a relationship with someone. I had to re-read the wording to make sure I understood. It sounds like you agreed to the business venture because you thought it would please this person, who might have been counting on you to fulfill something. Correct? Was there really a threat of rejection, or was that an exaggeration of your perception?

That by itself is more than welcome, I appreciate it. Thank you, *hugs.* It's nice to know that others understand the situation. I wish you the best in overcoming your own anxiety. Thank you for your response. I go through the same ritual of beating myself up over it, although I don't take it quite that far. I'm sorry you go through that, but it's good to hear that you've got a basic understanding of yourself. That is a good question. I think there were a few factors. One was getting away from home to travel and be out in the world. It would have been a personal challenge I set myself up for. I haven't traveled as far as New Hampshire, let alone by car. The farthest I've driven a car is from my rural town to Gainesville, which is a little over an hour, depending on where in Gainesville I go. Another reason was that I was excited to think that I could handle all the details of the trip essentially by myself. So it was a way of proving something to myself, and perhaps to others as well. Other motivating factors were that I'd get to meet libertarians and learn stuff, and that I'd be stopping in PA on the way there and back to see my dad and little sister. The biggest thing that excited me was the time that would have been spent getting to know that close friend. Of course, extra visits to Gainesville would solve that, but at Porcfest it would have been more intimate than just a quick visit. Would have been there with him for the week. I tend to see the future prettier than it actually is, until it begins to merge into the present. I knew in the back of my head that I would get overwhelmed, and probably lose a little sleep, not want eat here and there, but that was the problem. I buried those things in the back of my head. What sorts of things do you feel anxious about committing to? If you don't mind my asking.

An update: I was able to help one of the riders snatch a greyhound ticket last minute to the event. Feeling much better about that. It looks like 3 out of the 4 carpoolers are going to make it. I explained to two of those three riders my situation with anxiety, and they were surprisingly understanding. Turns out they also have a degree of social anxiety, and we had an interesting conversation about that. I think it's good on them to admit something like that. Anxiety is not typically something people like to admit to suffering from. The unfortunate part is that the rider who won't make it to Porcfest is (was??) my close friend. It didn't mean much to him if I wasn't going. I can imagine he is not too happy with me right now. I could understand that. Just not a comforting thing to think about, he means a lot to me. Initially it seemed he took it okay and was going to turn it around by getting a job and saving up some money. But I couldn't really gauge how he actually felt about it. I offered to make it up to him, but perhaps that was too soon, or not something he would be interested in. I don't know what to do in this situation. I should probably take a step back... it's just hard.

Ditto nathanm's post. I watched about 6-7 minutes and think I've got the gist of what's going on. I get the feeling from Adam that he's speaking from an emotional place about this situation. He does this from time to time. He's frustrated that he was ignored by prominent libertarian figures when he put himself out there and got arrested, and decided to take it out on the more inactive libertarians, even though they've done nothing in particular to hurt him or hold him back from his goals. A lot of us like to quietly support him in the background. Not that I'm defending sitting around all the time, but even that in itself is rebellious against government. Just by not partaking in this system, libertarians (particularly anarchists) are doing the movement a favor. All the people who buy a little silver, bitcoin, grow their own food, work under-the-table jobs, donate to libertarians and watch/support the material, raise children peacefully etc. are helping. Not everyone can be Adam Kokesh and go out on the streets protesting. He is attempting to push an "ought" onto people. A big part of libertarianism's appeal is that we don't want to tell people how to live their lives. I can understand that he's hurt by Rockwell and Napolitano, but he should vent honestly about it and be done with it. Not everyone's going to respond to his actions the way he wants them to. Of course, these are mainly intuitive thoughts about Kokesh. I could be wrong. If the liberty movement ever reaches a crossroads, I think it would more likely be between minarchists and anarchists. I don't feel threatened by minarchists though, if anything I'm glad they're within the same range of logical reasoning. They just need to take it a little further, but that would be their prerogative.

I need to vent. Comments or insights would be appreciated, but I mostly just need to get this off my chest and out in the open somewhere.The annual Porcupine Freedom Festival starts this Sunday. I planned for about a month to go, primarily on the motivation to spend time with a friend and get away from home for a while. If the friend didn't want to go, I wouldn't have concerned myself with Porcfest. I have a desire to meet and get to know other libertarians, but not so much if they're 1600 miles away, when I could try Tampa meetups and it would cost me a LOT less. I planned meticulously for it, was able to gather 3 carpoolers successfully, but there were a few problems that I shoved under the rug. One, I have social anxiety. Going all the way from Florida to New Hampshire is a rather big plunge for someone like me. I've been to Pennsylvania for a week with an ex, but going to something like Porcfest caused a dramatically different feeling from me. The past two nights, I lost a lot of sleep, and today I couldn't eat very much. That is too much stress, not worth the trouble. The other problem was that I didn't have my car as ready to go as could be. It is a reliable car, I haven't had any major problems with it in the 5 years or so that I've owned it. However, it was going to need a front axle replacement. When I got a check up on my car last month, the worker there told me that it wasn't urgent, but that I would need that after so many miles. I think he said 5000, but it could have been 1500. Florida to New Hampshire was 1600 miles, one way. For some reason, I figured my car could handle it anyway. This is logic-defying, I don't know why I thought I could push my car like that. Or myself. I felt like once I gathered the carpoolers, I had an obligation to get them to this event. They were excited, I was pleased to help them out. Now I feel terrible for ruining the trip for them last minute. One of the riders was able to find a one-way plane ticket, and thinks he'll be able to work something out on the way back. I explained to the other riders, via facebook, that I have social anxiety and was just way in over my head about this trip. I thought I could pull it off, I wanted to spend more time with the friend doing someting "cool." I saw that one person read it, but he didn't respond to it, and the other hasn't read it at all yet. I wonder if she has any idea :/ I feel bad, because this is my fault. It could have been avoided by me saying no, I am not comfortable with such a huge trip. Now I have to confront the consequences. It is not the most dreadful thing to happen, eventually it can be moved on from. But there is an initial negative reaction, I think it will take time to accept what I did. I wasn't being honest with myself. The way to cope with social anxiety and treat it is probably to make it a gradual process in a way that's relatively comfortable. Porcfest is way outside of my comfort zone right now.

You ever felt like the grip of government was too tight? Ever felt as though all hope has been lost? Despair not, we have a Voluntaryist hero! /cornyintro? I did not creat this project, I am just attempting to help spread it around -Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/volcomics?ref=ts&fref=ts -Link to photo of the hero punching Cybernake in the face, just a tongue-in-cheek drawing: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=527275053974917&set=pb.439616266074130.-2207520000.1370724878.&type=3&theater The about section: “Voluntaryist” is about a superhero who finds himself pitted against the government as the government tries to enslave humanity once and for all. He is a young man with extraordinary powers created through a chance encounter with cosmic radiation. His personal mission is to rescue his parents from government agents, but that objective is often frustrated with the likes of giant monsters, super-villains, and even the U.S. armed forces. The purpose of this comic is to give a sense of what is going on in America and, in addition, to offer the reader inspiration that something can be done to stop the coming dystopian future. It also promotes voluntaryist values in the narrative. (If you don’t know what that is, simply google the “Non-aggression principle.”) The idea for the comic was created by Voluntaryist fanatic and costumer Jaime Sherman, whose passion for liberty is only matched by his passion for dressing in spandex super-suits. He began the long process of creating the series while trudging through his legal studies in school. You can make friends with us on Facebook or on Youtube! Looking forward to seeing you suit up for liberty and join in the comic adventure! -V I haven't read it myself, but the art looks great, and I think I will get some more merch when I've got the money. Eventually I'd like to read it, one of the creators (Jaime Sherman) showed it to me in person and it is quite short, but full of action and craziness. I do have one of the tshirts, as I will be helping promote the series at Porcfest X in about a week Check it out sometime! Let me know what you guys think!

Why doesn't this hungry person offer some labour in exchange for a meal? That way no one comes out a loser. This, and simply asking is a good idea as well. Who knows, the wealthy person might be resourceful enough to try to find the homeless man a job? Resorting to stealing doesn't work anything out for the homeless person other than living that edgy lifestyle and never improving. One thing that bugs me is, why assume that the wealthy person doesn't need that money? Who's to say that he/she wasn't saving up that money to accomodate an illness or to help a senior in the family? The idea that wealthy people could stand to lose their money is presumptuous and not fair. Who's to say that poor people aren't irresponsible with the money they do have? What it comes down to is that we don't know the full picture of another person's life. Assuming that you can just take their property without any detriment done them is false. In the event that it doesn't burdern the person much, it's still his/her property. There's no right to take it.

Hey man, nice video. The only bit of commentary I have for it is that I think libertarian men do not have to resign themselves to a life of celibacy or improving themselves to wait for the right libertarian girl. What about meeting a girl who is not libertarian, but is open-minded and tries to stick to decent values? I'm not sure that you made that distinction in your video. Correct me if I'm wrong on that. There may be few libertarian girls out there (although, this is one right here, replying to your thread. who da thunk it?) but I think there are a decent number of open-minded girls out there that are interested in self-improvement. They may or may not comprise of libertarians. The person does not have to arrive at all the same conclusions that you do, they just have to be willing to reexamine their positions/values based on new information. I think that's the key.

I think it's both but I think it could be greater on her end, even if she doesn't realize it. Emotionally, she's a brick wall. I really can't tell what's going on. No, I don't gladly stay, and she never explicitly put the obligation on me, but I'm all she has. She never dreamed big in life, or if she did, my dad shattered that a long time ago and now she contentedly works her medical billing job, never aspiring for anything greater. I suppose some would say that her content attitude is a great achievement, that she can be happy doing a job that's nothing to rant or rave about. The main way I benefit by staying is that it's financially secure. I think she'll let me stay dependent on her for as long as I want, and I both appreciate it and hate it. She never really taught me life skills, nor encouraged socializing. She says every so often that these are times when families should stick together but... I'm 22, I want to get the fuck out. I don't want dependency on her or the government. I've talked to her about moving out, but it's like she doesn't take it seriously. She acknoledges it and seems calm and all, but little comments like, "when I get my tax return next year we'll buy a bigger tv" as if I'm going to be there next year?? She's always been difficult to figure out emotionally. Approaching this kind of communication is necessary, I know that, but extremely intimidating. I feel like I'd be treading on thin ice. I've never told her how I really feel, I don't want to shatter this... security or whatever it is that currently exists between us.

I dunno, I think Cesar has some valid techniques. If you want to establish property boundaries with your animal, it seems necessary to assert some authority. He's not intimidating the dogs so much as he is establishing clear communication. Of course, feel free to argue that. I haven't really compared it to other methods.

Can you elaborate more on the feeling of a stalemate with regards to leaving your parents? Why is it that you feel this stalemate? I know you mentioned that you don't want to leave your younger brother with them. That is a very valid reason. I think it would help you to expand on that a bit. I have a similar anxiety about leaving my mother, although it is just her and I living together. And well, a cat. She is not abusive in the sense that she wants me to take any career path in particular, nor has she ever physically threatened me, but it does feel like there's some psychological abuse I've suffered. Leaving her would be to leave her by herself... my father already left, so I feel like it's my duty to be loyal, I guess. In any case, it's really frustrating, because I often feel like I can't really move forward like this. Introspection and reflection helps though. I think if you evaluate what it is that makes you feel like you're stuck, it will help you progress forward. Even if you're still at your parents house. Keep talking to people about it, I find there are quite a number of people here willing to listen and extend sympathies and advice. It's really amazing. I am one that's willing to listen as well, so feel free to just let your stream of emotions and thoughts out.

I may go, depends on finances. Carpooling would help. Is there anyone in or around the Gainesville area (or just Florida) that would be able to carpool with my friend and I?

Welcome! I have felt similar skepticism about some of the things scientists claim happen in our universe, although I maintain that phenomenon like galactic redshift and cosmic microwave background radiation seem plausible. I'm not so sure about a big bang, but... it's an intriguing theory. At this point I'm resigned to believing whatever truth I can uncover myself. If a big bang is the truth, so be it. Anyway, hope you enjoy the forums! I think you may be able to find discussions here on these very topics.

Thanks for your response. I have alluded to certain events with my mom, and I outright asked her if I could see a psychiatrist when I was 11 years old. She just told me I'll feel better with time. That's it. I don't think she processes much about psychological trauma. I have tried to bring up these bad experiences with her, but it's like it's not that bad in her eyes. I seem normal to her. Outwardly I'm pretty docile and level headed. It's a strange relationship. We do have open communication in a lot of ways and get along better than some mothers and daughters do, but I never felt emotionally close to her. I can't relate to her, and I'm afraid to tell her how I felt about her parenting in some ways. I did tell her I thought she was a little overprotective, and she seems to acknowledge it, but she also gets defensive about it like she's trying to justify it. I have not brought up the fact that I also felt neglected by her, or that I never particularly felt like her and I connected on an emotional level. I can understand her upbringing. Her mother was a nagging, rather cold woman and they weren't close to each other in practically any way. Her dad was a logic-oriented kind of a guy who bore the brunt of my grandmother's nagging (and later my mother's nagging, until he had to move out) and he doesn't really connect emotionally either. Although, when my grandmother died, he at least cried. My mother seemed happy, and so was I. That strikes me as being a little messed up, even if my grandmother wasn't that kind of a woman. She had some good qualities, enough to where a grown man cried over her death, but her daughter wouldn't. I appreciated my grandfather much more as a parental figure than my mother. Even though he couldn't relate to some of the things I went to, he seemed more genuinely concerned, and he would ask more questions. My mother's general attitude to anything and everything is too content. I can't figure out if there's ever pain in her heart. It doesn't seem like it.

I can speak from the female's point of view here. I knew of "bronies" before I myself became a fan of the show, and didn't think it was that weird for males to enjoy the show. I was actually pleasantly surprised, because not many men admit to liking cute or girly things. I get annoyed with men who have to do traditional manly things and draw such a bold line between what's okay for men to like. I might have also been accepting because I heard other people praising the show for its quality and basically believed them before I saw it. And when I watched the show, it confirmed what others had told me about it. If the show is good, the show is good. I wouldn't spend time worrying about what women will think of you when you genuinely appreciate a high-quality cartoon. Keep in mind that there are probably a decent number of women your age or thereabouts that also enjoy the show.

Well-said. I love this show, no shame. I picked it up after reading several reviews of it like this. People are excited about a show made for a toyline for little girls? That piqued my curiosity. The quality in MLP:FiM is leagues better than the original My Little Pony series and the characters are a lot of fun. Faust set out to appeal to a wider demographic and succeeded. I don't think adults watching it have to have any kind of mental problems or that the show itself could cause problems. The show puts out decent, level messages and has a good sense of humor, so to me it is not surprising that older people are watching it. There may be a few creeps here and there that watch it for their own nefarious pleasures, but I doubt it's significantly more for this show. I think the older male demographic comes from the fact that MLP has a sense of humor that surprisingly appeals to them. Like, they went in expecting girly antics and corny messages, and instead got Rainbow Dash's rainbow nuke. Or something like that. I really like the witty dialogue and range of expressions. Crisp animation, dimensional characters, relatable messages. It's an all-around great show.

Wow, I never realized what that song was about, or how much it resonates. I have a bad tendency to judge pop songs as being rather... trite and fluffy most of the time, and pass them up. Thanks for suggesting this. Thank you for these links. Glad to hear you've received a lot of help from it. I have considered psychotherapy, but living in a small town and being poor, it seems my options are limited-to-none. I think I can get free counseling at a place called the Centers around where I live, but only for a short, limited time. Then I would have to pay. I live off of a pell grant (which has dwindled down as I'm trying to make payments on my phone and for gas) and my mom helps to support me as well. I suppose I could go some time to see what my options are, at the very least. A big reason I haven't yet is because of the hurdle of telling people around me that I'm seeking therapy. One of my friends (the only anarcho-capitalist friend I have) offered to do hypnotherapy/hypnosis with me. Considered that as well, but I'm afraid to open up to him for some reason. I outright asked my mom to see a therapist when I was 11 or 12, after we moved to a basement/apartment in North Carolina because I felt I was going batshit crazy there. My mom essentially told me to just "give it some time" and didn't seem that concerned. I don't think I ever fully recovered. I probably needed help back then, and still do now. Hopefully you can make it to one of them. Seems like it'd be a wonderful experience. I've been going to college for 4 years now but I think I'm technically a sophomore? I dunno, haven't checked with a counselor in a while. Been going part-time. I accumulated about 40-50 credits, and I think I need 60 to graduate. It doesn't really matter to me whether others think I have to decide on a major soon or if it's too late. At this point, I think the main reason I go to school still is because it's something to do; an excuse to get out of the house and feel like I'm doing something semi-productive. I live in a rural area, not much to do. Especially when the economy is like this and I haven't got much money. If I can use the credits, great; if not, I won't be devastated. Even if I were to graduate with the A.A. in Liberal Arts, transfer, and earn a more specific degree, there's no guarentee that that would land me a job. I figure exploring different subjects will help me to pinpoint what I like and don't like, and I'll go from there.

Sorry for the late reply, been bogged down with coursework and just haven't gotten around to participating here. I know what you mean. The quality of education in college isn't that much better. May even be the same, or worse. The main improvements from high school that I see include the fact that I get to decide what to take, when to take it, and basically how long I want to be on campus for. Kids are not afforded these freedoms in the 12 years of schooling prior to college. But yes, some of the courses I've taken haven't taught me much of anything new. It's the same old read these chapters by this date, be prepared for that test. Same cycle of great (as in enourmously terrible) expectations. I forget if I mentioned this, but it's absolutely absurd to me that health measures are being taken for children when they're forced to sit for 6-8 hours indoors... and then they go to gym class and are told exercise and being outdoors is good for you. What a load of crap. That is an interesting approach, and I hope that you influence others to climb aboard with principled approaches. That definiately reminds me of what Ron Paul hoped to accomplish by getting his hands dirty as a congressman. If spreading the message was his genuine goal, he certainly reached a lot of young minds and hearts. I'm indecisive as to what I want to do with my life, but I do know that I hope to become stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally on the way there. Taking elective or more specific courses in college has helped me to get an idea, at the very least. My favorite courses so far have been Astronomy, Philosophy, World Civilizations and Mirco Economics. Currently taking the last one. I have an interest in historical subjects... I think it's because I like to understand human behavior and analyze it. Of course, with some historical details, there's no telling what really happened except by word of mouth/through the grapevine, but I like that there's a general approach to factual information involved. From there, I can take apart and piece together the information to form a better understanding. I find astronomy correlates with this, except instead of understanding human activity, you acquire an understanding of cosmic/chemical activity in outer space. I find that economics and philosophy go hand-in-hand as well, but in ta different sense. Each involves understanding the nature of reality and making sure you're clear on certain definitions. A lot of people like relativism because it sounds true and pleasant. In the same way, some like socialism because it sounds nice, but upon closer examaniation, these theories fall apart logically and in application. ...sorry if this is rambling, I love to talk about these subjects. That is good to hear I hope to accomplish that as well. It is difficult to find compatibility with people when most don't seem to hold the same basic principles. I hope to either attend Anarchy in the NYC in April or the next Porc Fest... which I think comes up this summer? Looking to meet people with the same values. I've already made a friend in a fellow anarchist through mutual friends, and I may get to meet him in person if his plans for moving to Florida go through. Have you attended any events like this?

Glad to hear you're in a much more comfortable place and I do hope you enjoy yourself here. It seems the members are very much willing to listen to each other. Perhaps it's something about voluntarism Didn't realize you were also new. Welcome.

Hi there The Ceej. Welcome to the forums. I am also a newcomer. That is a fine article you wrote, thank you for sharing. I believed humor is needed to help us as well. I don't know that I would have made it as far in life as I have without letting go and laughing. I believe, and I've found that others believe, we all laugh at tradgey (of varying degrees) because it's a way to make light of it and cope with it. Which sounds like a rather serious take on comedy :b Is your comedy primarily in the form of blog posts, or do you use other media sources?

Indeed, thank you for the kind words, Isomies. It does help to identify the source of what causes people so much turmoil. When I realized that people could interact without force as an underlying fundamental mechanism of society, it felt like most of the dark clouds looming over drifted away. I feel I have gained a lot of clarity, which is a step in the right direction. Hi courtneycm. It was difficult to type up so much personal stuff on a community of new people, but the anonymity helps, as well as the warm reception from people here. Thank you for the kind words, I hope you continue to make headway. I will work on my struggles as well. Educating myself on liberty has made the process more smooth and natural. Thank you for the kind words, VforVoluntary49. I am so, so glad to be here And I know the feeling. I find college is a lot better than high school, in the sense that I'm not forced to sit for about 6 hours inside a building against my will and there are less rules in general, but it never compares to self-teaching. I hate writing papers that I have to write, or reading enormous textbooks at a pace I am not comfortable with. I have learned so much more from Stefan's podcasts and learnliberty's videos than I've learned in my entire 12 years of public school education. What career are you going to school for? I hope that you are able to feel less timid as well in your interpersonal relationships.