Phuein

I don't know. I have nobody in my life who's an entrepreneur. The only examples I know are online, and from other very different countries. The problem with this very valid question is that I don't have a clue what I would need to do, to make up a plan and a timeline. I just have no references for this.

That's the first thing that I had in mind, some years back, when I decided to go on this path. As a kid, I was always told to just do the next thing, so I will "have all those doors open" for me, in the future, for whatever I would want to do. But that sort of attitude never worked. It just led me to wasting my time doing things (schools, jobs) I was not interested in, and gaining opportunities (for example, working in high-tech, which I did for a bit) that I did not want. I'm encouraged by Stefan and other independent professionals, that say that gaining experience as an entrepreneur, doing your thing regularly, is much more valuable, than being an employee - obeying others well. It's experience for what I want to achieve, instead of experience for what others want from me. But nobody really talks about/with those entrepreneurs that haven't gained massive success, and are still doing their thing, quietly. Right? I've actually already decided that I'd rather be a poor menial worker, working part time and living like some older hippies I know, than be a normal employee. But that's only if I utterly fail in making money as an entrepreneur. Which is tricky.... When does one give up? When's "old enough", to stop trying to achieve my dreams and the occupation that I want? So far, the only reason I see for giving up is, if relying on my parents becomes too shaming, with age. But I've never been a bashful person.

Thanks for saying that. I was worried that people might attack me, for already having a well-framed opinion, while asking for their opinions. I'm glad that the responses are all considerate and practical.

I'm glad to see so many responses, already. I should clarify a few details, first, then. I was raised by two neglecting parents, but the generally and mostly active abuser was my dad. Since the previous year, he had been away for work in another country, which means that the house had become quiet and comfortable, mostly. I am sure that I would not have been able to tolerate his presence this long, if he weren't away. Also, while powder's story sounds horrifying, indeed, it is far from my situation. I was kicked out of the house several times, already, by my dad. During my twenties, I had spent several years abroad, traveling, and even living outdoors entirely, before coming back here. What brought me back, was an interest in creating a professional life for myself, with an income (as opposed to volunteering.) However, I did get to work many different menial jobs, during my twenties. I worked little and rarely, and used the money for my previous travels. I have yet to find a workplace that felt like I could tolerate it, for more than a month or two. This is, partially, what had driven me into trying to be an entrepreneur. As a younger adult, I was actually interested in finding a place, where I could join and be a part [of]. I willfully decided to let that idea go, when I hit 25. I do know the difference between a hobby and a profession. I have many hobbies, and I have learned, the rough way, that the two are not the same. Programming used to be a hobby of mine, and because it is a lucrative profession, I tried to work in it. It went really badly, to say the least, for me. Sadly, my elder brother turned out to be psychotic and abusive, like my dad. As little kids, we used to play together and talk, but since our teens we are estranged, completely. He doesn't live at home. No one in my family, even extended, supports my ideas or behavior, at all. I have been attacked, for being different, ever since I was kid. So, I hardly expected to have them advise or guide me.

EDIT: Used smooching instead of mooching, originally. Fixed. I have watched many episodes on Dr. Phil, where they talk about a child, usually a young adult (18 - 30) who is living with their parents, and more often than not, living off of their money, as well. Both Dr. Phil and Stefan encourage young adults to get out of their (often abusive) homes, get a job, start small, and slowly grow bigger - professionally. I understand that both of them went through this, in their own lives; where they were forced to go and work in menial labour, as they did not enjoy funding from their parents, as teenagers and young adults. Now, about me. I am 27 years old. I live with my parents, and I live off of their money, including purchasing occasional goods. My childhood story, and even current story, is not a pleasant one. A lot of problems at home, which were partially opened for discussion during my twenties, but only partially solved, and mostly shoved under the rug, in shame. However, I am an autodidactic student and artist. Even as a young boy, I have felt that school was a waste of time, and that most people around me are entirely not inquisitive, interested, or curious about life and living; unlike myself. I have tried and quit 3D graphics, web programming, and book authoring. I am continuously working, without pay, as a blogger, short story author, and narrator. I am very happy doing these - as compared to my previous not creative & boring years, but I do suffer the obvious lackings of such a lifestyle: mostly physically alone, without my own funds, and no place of my own. Which brings me to my very personal question, to you, my fellow Freedomain community members. Am I missing out, or doing a mistake, or being naive, by staying at a dysfunctional house (although mostly empty and quiet), working alone, daily, in front of my computer, and trying different ventures and professions, as an entrepreneur?

Ivan, how exactly does this relate to you? Or anybody? I doubt that attention fatigue is unfamiliar to people who take interest in Philosophy, eh. It's just nothing special.

Thanks for sharing, Betty. That's an interesting way of doing it. In Amara, I enjoyed the English subtitles already available for my translating, so it sounds like the same process. Steve, all males in Israel and the region are circumcised. There's almost none, at all, who are not. However, the facts that Stefan shares about it are not new to Israelis. This topic had been discussed publicly before, and the impact is not great. I don't think that attacking something which is considered a fundamental tenet of Judaism is a good way to convince Jews, generally speaking. Basically, for a Jew, even a secular one, not circumcising their child is supposedly equal to losing all connection to the "covenant" with God, which scares idiots. I do appreciate your recommendation, though. On the surface, it does seem like a good one. Maybe I'll do it, for the sake of being relevant and short.

I feel for your Facebook frustration and discomforts. Virtual relationships have a lot of drawbacks, compared to physical relationships. Especially the no touching thing, eh. Just like with universal preferences, I don't discriminate FB. I do not add or keep people whom I consider harmful, or abusive. This is also true of people who are too passive for me, to find real interest in them, and so we never interact. I remove them without much hesitation, and so my friends' list is small, but wonderful, and I love everyone I have there. However, I do appreciate online global relationships! I have been a penpal and chatter for many years, since adolescence. I have had some online friends for more years, than I have had local friends. And this taught me that virtual relationships are just as important. Just as a book can influence more than a conversation, so cause virtual friends be more intimate, than local friends. Oh, and I even had some virtual romance, which was often more tantalizing than any local romance I've enjoyed. If I find a person that I relate to, then I will Add them, and send a message. It usually works, with both girls and guys. I have made some very interesting friends this way; not all of them philosophical, but sure not abusive people; which is the real standard, for a basic friendship. If I added someone abusive, then I will remove them quickly, sometimes after a final chat, to verify my suspicions. My most recent case, was a feminist girl who was into Philosophy, but when we talked, would eventually reach an "I believe in my government" statement, and you can imagine how that went south fast haha. After I told her how I feel and think, and asked her about the logic of her opinions, she was the one to unfriend, and even block, me! I don't usually block people, myself. This idea that we need many people to Like and Comment on our posts is wrong. What we need is those relevant Likes, and those important Comments. Just like Stefan says about FDR - we don't want stupid people "here", be it the FDR community, or my FB wall. How does that feel to you, James?

The classic case of a taxable source, compared to a non-taxable source. Like the anthropological case of tribes that planted root crops, which can't be easily harvested by those who wanted to tax them, unlike rice and other grains. :=D

Hey, I'm sorry that my response seemed too general. I didn't think you'd be interested in specifics. Israel is a country that is based on three things: Zionism, Judaism, and Terror. Zionism is the view that the only proper land for those of Hebrew descent (what most people call Jews) is Israel. Any other place, "has proven to be anti semitic." That is, at least, the common argument for it. Of course, those who say this, completely ignore the endless and huge amounts of historical and contemporary anti semitism that Israel has for the Hebrews, compared to plenty of places, in the world, that are actually quite pleasant to live in. No wars. And some places hardly even know or recognize a Hebrew person (as opposed to any other white person), like in Asia. Judaism is the religious culture that followed, grew, and in some communities of Hebrews, taken root. Like in all religions, there are many sects, and there are different espoused lifestyles. And like in all religions, everything is done through coercion, threat, and fear. Most of the sects, however, and even those who are just barely religious, at all, support Zionism, and are therefore either actively Zionist, live here and fight in the wars, or are passively Zionist, and donate insane sums of money towards the cause. Terror is the emotion that rules in Israel. Unlike the USA, for example, where terror has only recently become very popular; over here it's been a foundation, constant and intrusive. Compulsory military conscription. A country forever officially in a state of "alert" (war-time). A country where the citizens don't actually have any official positive rights. Explaining the emotion, atmosphere, and behavior of the people of Israel, is akin to explaining those of the people right now in warring countries, such as Afghanistan and Iraq. On the surface, people behave as if this was the liberal west, where life is free and good. However, when the society and people are reviewed, and inquisitive conversations take place, then a constant state of panic is revealed. A state of panic that is encouraged, by those who dominate this country. I call Israel a US military base. It is so full of arms, military, bases, all funded by the USA. It so aimed at war, that everything else becomes irrelevant. Just looking at the funds that flow through Israel (public state budget), it is evident that the highest purpose of this "society" is to wage war. Is it a "just war"? A war of "self-defense"? Even if it were, then it would still make no sense to force ourselves to live here. Up until recently, most Hebrews lived in the USA, where they enjoy and prosper. Hell, they are the source of all that support and funding, without which there would be no Israel. [i reckon that in America, the continent, there are more Hebrews, than in Israel.] But it is not a just war. The history of Israel is well documented. People escaped from other countries, rightfully so, but only to force themselves on those who had been living here, Hebrews and Arabs, and do to others what they had suffered. Israel is the land of the continuous holocaust. Both towards Arabs, and towards the Hebrews. I hope that explains my perspective and reasoning better.

Alright! To the merriment of all, I have finished transcribing Putting off Procrastination (Jan 25, 2008) into Hebrew! Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1WC6hNTONg Transcribed video on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIILO4I7oc0 I have decided on the exciting title, in Hebrew, "The Video That Will Make You Free in 30 Minutes or less!" Stefan, or any of the crew, are welcome to take my subtitles, and add them to the original video, as well. I feel that this rather short, concise, and plain video demonstrates some of the most important and basic philosophical and practical principles of the Freedomain Radio show. File attached. Notice, it is an srt file, and not a txt file! Putting off Procrastination.he.srt.NOT.A.TXT

I just went through the videos, and they're all so long. The short ones don't quite touch on relevant topics, at least from the recent month, or so. Does anyone have a video in mind that is, at least, under an hour, and that is mostly touching on the UPB and the NAP? It can be a conversation or what not; doesn't have to be a lecture.

If we were to debate magic, and then the definition of magic, we would, as easily, run into an impasse, as reach any sort of understanding. This is, because magic is an abstract idea. What are the definitions for morality that your friends hold? More often than not, people would rather deny any clear definition of something useful, like morality, than bother to actually define it, and then have to understand their own definition. And so choosing stupidity over effort. A person who does not actually practice morality, their own, cannot refer to it as anything but an abstract idea, from without (the self.)

All truths are relevant. Some are just less relevant. I'd say that explaining why UPB and the NAP are true, would have a great impact on a culture that functions, on a daily basis, on the initiation of violence (not just coercion). Unlikewise, I would not put emphasis on, say, Bitcoin, because it's already a popular concept over here, so the impact would be less useful.

Amara is very friendly, Jer. :-) Just takes time, eh. Israelis face quite unique social problems. If I relate these to Stefan's topics, then Israelis would benefit from the understanding of the value and practice of: The NAP, What constitutes child abuse, BitCoin - as Israel's economics are dire, due to the small and limited economy (and fascist socialist taxation system, which is extreme even compared to most other countries), and obviously the rampant religious dogmas and new-age nihilistic ideologies being evil and illogical, and thus bad for us. The main issue is that abuse is considered an accepted behavior here. Abuse, physical and verbal, is rampant in this culture, from schools - where bullying is the norm, to mandatory military service - where horrors commence, and even to the work place - where treatment is way below any accepted standard in the west (such as stealing from salaries).

I would like to do Hebrew subtitles to a selected Youtube video of FDR. I have experience using www.amara.org, but I am open to suggestions, if you've also done this before. Amara.org exports subtitle files to use with the official Youtube video, after completion, so that anyone can see them on Youtube (instead of on Amara.org only.) This is tedious work, for me, but I feel that at least one video made accessible to my local folk, could do wonders. I personally feel this way about many of the videos. What I'm wondering, before I go ahead and pick one, is if anyone here - especially Stefan - has a good idea of a video for this? Considering the more specific social issues in Israel. I mean, choosing a video that would be most relevant and interesting to Israelis.

I have just watched an interesting documentary about the maltreatment Australian natives receive, even now, from the Australian [white] government and society. Utopia (2013) by John Pilger https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UtnKwvi-TzY This is, of course, masked under lies, coercion, and legislation. The natives seem unable to resist all that is happening, and, naturally, suicide and self-harm are extremely common, within their tiny communities. This leads me to my question; a question I have been pondering and examining, for some years, but without avail. And so, I ask you... In the face of those who devote their lives to harm and violence, to amassing weapons and shields, and who dwell in lies and the ruthless manipulation of others; what can a community [or group] of good people do? In other words, how can such a conflict be resolved, even temporarily, when confronted with those who dedicate their lives to destruction? Will it come down to better and smarter weaponry? And better and smarter shields? Or will there be no immediate solution, and rather, all of us who are currently alive, must suffer the fascists, and only attempt to "save the future"?

Fun thread. Although it's not music, I'm currently listening to Beyond This Horizon [a science fiction novel] by Robert A. Heinlein. (Press "Play Audio Sample", under the cover image.) http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Beyond-This-Horizon-Audiobook/B002V8KZTA?productID=BK_ADBL_000880 Topics Included: The meaning to life, Post-humanism, economics, libertarianism.

Do you mind if I ask what software you guys use for editing the audio? With a priced software, like NCH WavePad, it's possible to use some good effects to normalize the volume levels. With the free Audacity, however, although not as easily, it is possible to apply different Compressors, and get good results. I've tested it, on short samples. Although, I'm not certain how this would be done, for such a big recording, equally simply. I'd try and do this myself, happily, but I suspect that getting the original audio files would be an immensely huge file transfer.

I've been a narrator for some months, both for my website (link in sig'), and with LibriVox.org. There's a lot of hype about the CAD U37 condenser microphone, which is a small step in price below the Blue Yeti, linked above. I've been using it for some weeks now, and the quality is good, generally. Of course, it matches the price for quality, but it's on a whole different level, than some hobby dynamic microphone, which is what I had, before. It uses USB, only, which is comfortable. You can hear examples of the audio in my site. I edit it with Audacity, which I have enjoyed using for many years, now. It is free, and often updated. I use the Noise Removal, Noise Gate, Dynamic Compressor, and Equalizer plugins, to make my audio easier on the ear. I don't have a studio-like room, but I do try to record close to the microphone (maybe three inches), without pops (pop filter + slight angle to the microphone), and shove the laptop into a drawer for less noise.

I was wondering who got it. Thought it was some random dude who buys domains, and that getting a fair price would be an issue. Congratulations.

On the podcast I heard: http://www.fdrpodcast.com/ Which is wrong. It's actually: http://www.fdrpodcasts.com/ It's an easy mistake, so you'd probably take interest in having the former domain, as well, to direct to your new application. Cheers.

The conversation was very interesting. It was annoying that its' purpose, or lack of purpose, made for a very abstract and boundless chatter, which either confirmed my own biases, or annoyed me, when I heard things that sounded like fascism. I was actually surprised at the kid, Andrew, who said some serious to-the-point phrases about social order, anarchy, and problem solving. Short, lacking depth and direction, but still very stimulating & interesting. P.S. James recommends a documentary about shaping people according to a different social context (as compared to people right now, who are used to coercion and dependence). Children Full of Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tLB1lU-H0M. I pretty much cried throughout the movie. This is extremely highly recommended. It is about a teacher in Japan, and a class of fourth graders. It is about the purpose of their school year, and how they handle problems.

Just for the record, I have some interesting discussions on the comments, through my G+ account. You may proceed...

Whoaaa, no way! So different! Cheers.