Matt Hill

Hi, and thanks . Yes i agree the behavior is a reflection yet it is a tough suggestion to broach. The younger boy seems to reflect the older so my thoughts are toward the older . The younger boy acts out in a more shocking manner to seek attention I guess . I did try to ease into the conversation with mom say something like " this behavior comes from somewhere - its a reflection of something . Right.? Is he bullied at school ? Where is it coming from? " I encouraged her to seek ways to make agression unacceptable." I think shes frustated with it ? Seems like they will hit one another until one gets hurt and run to her ,rather than intervening ? I dont see any of the interchange between the father and her. He gets them often . The only insight ive seen is an email she shared with me from him. It was mean and bullying towards her. The kids have a good routine. We do talk about the situation . My gut is Im not oversensitive. She has this thing that if im confronting or discussing why hitting is wrong afterwards with the kids that I am re enforcing a feeling of badness in the child? And " love the bully" . I myself was bullied at times by school mates and I feel a bit triggered when Im around this behavior . Makes me aggitated. Particularily when my son was called horrible names. I get the feeling she doesnt view it as such a problem as I do ? I did express my concerns with her however i an open manner .

Hi. Ive been in a relationship with a mother of two boys about 8 and 10. I am sometimes shocked at there behavior but I dont know if Im over sensitive. They do get phsyical and hit and kick one another , swear at one another. Its not constant of course often starts with competitive situations that escalates. I have a son and two daughters of a similar age and at least one of them has said very hurtful things to him and I feel horrible about this because hes there on account of my relationship. Again its not constant and my son for the most part has a good time with them . I however am not keen on him observing this behavior or perhaps being hurt by an act of physical violence nor the name calling . I could be considered an only child growing up and I do not know what is normal competitive interaction between brothers ? I just know what I see makes me feel bad . They have lashed out at me verbally when i have attempted to intervene in a fight. I have also observed them both act agressively towards the mother. Has Steph done any podcasts on sibling rivalry that any recall ? Im trying to get perspective and decide whether I should continue to be involved ? Thanks

Hello . My name is Matthew. My interest in philosophy drew me here - to fdr , and Ive been enjoying Stefans podcasts and videos immensely. Ive recently come out of the Jehovahs Witness movement of which I had spent my entire life being involved. Im 40 years old. Accompanied with a great deal of dissonance my conscience would not allow me to continue my involvement with the org. I wont share the reasoning at this time but I will tell you that my life feels as though it has changed in a large way. The struggle remains of course as it no doubt will as I work toward an increased self knowledge and a continued search for truth. I have found that Stoicism resonates with me greatly and I have used some of the practical information to help me maintain a degree of sanity at this time. The podcasts and videos however have expanded my outlook toward a practical form of reasoning and philosophy , and I thank you. Since being exposed and inspired by fdr I have shared some of the themes with some of those close to me and most agree the info is very timely and thought provoking. Today after listening to The Decline of Canada presentation I felt inspired to introduce myself. I am half Native American (Mohawk) and I do currently live on an Indian Resevation in Ontrario Canada relatively close to our friend Stefan Molyneux. I have lived on and off of the Rez in my life to about a 50/50. I take a delight that I am not subject to taxation as I also work on the Rez at a family based business,(a little bit of anarchy) which I have been doing 20 years or so . Although I am reasonably secure financially I am exposed to a lot of those who are not and exist in a life of despair and poverty. To fulfill myself on community basis I do a part time homeopathic practice (please save the comments) . Many stories I have listened to in practice have touched me as I realize how stuck and dis-enchanted many are in my midst. Generational as well as family trauma has taken its toll on many of these poor souls, often initiated in childhood . Not far from me (now that weather is favorable) a few have taken up residence in some dilapidated trailers. I drive by them nearly daily and then not far drive by the rare mansion belonging to the few who have struck it rich by curious means ? I do have a question - I have many , but today I am feeling motivated. Stefan you have exposed many delusions surrounding all of our existence. I feel that I may like to get involved in some way to expose/present the existence of some of those around me. To allow them to tell their stories to be heard. I think this may make for an interesting project. Perhaps in the way of video clips, narratives, short philosophical essays, religious impact and so on by way of blog etc. I like the manner in which you have done things as far as reaching an audience with social media. I would appreciate any input from you Stefan as well as any others on the forum. Thanks - Matt

Hi James. My post was not a reply to yours , but rather an afterthought to my earlier post. Ours came though within in moments of one another.

There is a tension in any relationship, and relationships should be mutually advantagous , and this would apply to kin as well would it not ?

Hi all. I can sorta relate to that . My dad and I have worked together for over twenty years . I dont particularily like him or agree with the way he does things and Im pretty sure if he were to give an honest opinion he wouldnt like me either. But there are other fatherly things i love about him . He has been not been judgmental with me as an adult and was not abusive to me as a child.