From the moment we learn to obey our parents, teachers, and other authorities, we've been conditioned to follow blindly. But have you ever asked yourself why? Who benefits from this belief in "authority"? Recent government overreach has exposed the truth: the ones in power don't always have our best interests at heart. What do we find when we challenge this construct of "authority"? Opting out of corrupt systems and relationships requires self-reflection and hard work. Thanks to the shitshow of the last few years many are now embarking on this path and I feel we are on the precipise of building something new. But is it possible to completley resist the "authority" that is so prevalent in our societies and what will a new world look like?
The Illusion of "Authority"
At the core of the illusion of authority lies our fear that if we don't do what someone in power tells us to, something bad will happen; often, this fear is well-founded. Most often it lies in the safety of fitting in with our crowd. Conformity, not questioning authority, and following orders are taught to us as children. That's why it's so hard to break away from the idea that we must obey leaders no matter what. We become so used to being told what to do that when someone in power tells us something we often don't even give it a second thought. But when we start to see through the manipulation tactics used by those in power positions and grow more confidence in our choices, we start to realise that standing up for what is right and just can be powerful. It's the path to finding true freedom.
By redefining our relationship with authority, we can begin to reclaim our true freedom. We can learn to recognize the signs of manipulation and coercion when we see them; we can understand that not every law is in line with natural law and human rights and must be questioned; we can refuse to follow orders which are unethical or unjust; and we can make our own decisions with confidence, instead of relying on someone else to tell us what to do.
Natural Law
Natural law transcends time, place, and culture, which means that no matter where you are, it is always applicable. There are seven natural laws or principles by which everything in the universe is governed. These laws or principles provide a set of universal rules by which we can assess the moral validity of any action. At their core, natural law represents order, harmony, balance and fairness. When leaders are not working in accordance with these principles, it's important that we recognize this and take steps to ensure our rights remain protected. When we understand these laws, we can make decisions based on our own moral compass, rather than blindly accepting orders from someone in power.
As a child, I always felt like something was wrong with the world. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I knew that something was off. I couldn't understand why adults were considered so smart when so many of them seemed stressed out and were suffering. I noticed that figures of authority resorted to using manipulation to get their way and wondered why did anyone have the right to kill another human just because they had claimed or been given authority? Why a murderer went to jail but a president could order the bombing of a whole city. These were deep-seated issues that stayed with me throughout my life.
So why is it that people blindly follow the authority figures in their lives? We've been conditioned to accept authority figures without question, from parents, teachers and religious leaders to the police and government. The media reinforces the idea that politicians or those in positions of power are morally superior and have the right to make decisions for us. We idolise famous people and royalty. But in reality, is anyone more moral or superior to anyone else? Aren't we all created equal with the power to make our own choices and decisions?
Master-slave Morality
This kind of thinking is what Nietzsche referred to as "master-slave morality." According to Nietzsche, throughout history, the struggle between master and slave has recurred. The ones who hold the power also hold the morality of the society, often leading to oppression and exploitation of those who lack power. This leads to a perpetual struggle between the two classes. I believe this struggle is the origin of our programming to obey authority and that perhaps we are programmed evolutionarially to operate under a hierachy.
If we can recognise and challenge the illusion of "authority," then it is possible to move towards a society based on freedom and respect for one another. I believe we start by questioning, examining our need to be governed, to remain child-like and looked after by those in authority. I am not sure what this new society looks like, free from all the now obvious corruption. Perhaps we will break off into seperate societies comprised of those that wish to be goverened and those who are self-governing. But I do know for those that choose the latter it will take conscious effort to look past the many distractions and live courageously.
Are you giving away your authority?
Think of all the ways you are making decisions in your day that revolve around safety? Are you making choices based predominantly on feeling loved and accepted by friends and family, are you people pleasing to fit in and be liked? Do you put your personal goals first or put them on the backburner for the interests of others? Do you know your core values, morals and ethics, and will you stand by them? Do you lie to yourself and others to esape scrutiny? Do you look to authority figures, doctors, politicians, news reporters, to tell you what to do and how to run your life? Do you look for quick fixes, that which is going to make you feel good right now? Reaching automatically for alcohol, or junk foods, pharmacuetical and recreational drugs or scrolling mindlessly on screens.
Just Say "No"!
After you have become aware of the depths of corruption the next step, I believe, is non-compliance. Claiming your authority and opting out of fear based systems of control. Many get stuck at this stage, looking for a new saviour to fix the world for them, or just doing nothing out of fear. They continue to buy into the game of division, thinking that the "right" or "left" politician will fix things. Continuing to look outside of themselves for someone or something to fix things. We've all been there and it's not until we realise that "we are the change we want to see in the world" that we can escape this divisive matrix. We can preach our views all we want but while we are coming from fear, judgement and non-action, we remain stuck.
The way out of this is to practice self-love, power and your right to be free. To live in a state of personal self-responsibility. To understand the natural laws that governs us all and base our decisions on what truly serves the highest good for humanity and nature as a whole.
Events from the last few years have lead more and more people to be opting out of the mainstream medical system and taking radical responsibility for their health and healing. Seeking to understand the true cause of their symptoms and to find an alternative to the pharmecuetical roundabout on offer. What other areas of authority overreach can we bring to question and find alternatives for?
Unlocking Freedom Through Agorism
In the late 70's anarchist and writer, Samuel Konkin released "The New Libertarian Manifesto" in which he presented a philospophy he named "Agorism". Konkin believed in natural law, that we are all born free to pursue our own happiness and self-ownership. He saw the state as an unjustified monopoly on violence and argued for a society based on freedom and voluntary exchange where individuals have ultimate authority over their own lives. He noted that if people were to pull their resources, money, time and support, from the corporate and state power it would eventually collapse and as this occoured the agorists would be building a new society based on voluntary interactions and freedom from government. What would it look like if more people were to align their actions with their principles and beliefs? If like me, for example, you don't support your governments spending on wars (off shore and at home e.g wars on disease) then why are we voting and paying taxes? Is it even possible to find alternatives and free ourselves in this way?
Examples of other ways people are opting out include, creating community gardens, using alternative currencies and bartering, creating alternative education programs and independant media outlets. Every time we pay someone with cash we are working within these principles, keeping our transactions private and tax free.
Conclusion
The illusion of authority can be passed on down through taboos, customs and structures but it's up to as individuals to wake up and challenge these norms, this starts by looking within ourselves, understanding what's real for us at any given moment and making decisions for ourself based in self-respect, love and personal power.
Are you ready to break free and reclaim your power? Are you willing to question the status quo and stand up for what you believe? It's time to open our eyes, see beyond the illusion of "authority" and create a new reality that empowers us all! Let's live by natural law, take back control and be truly free. Free to make our own choices without judgement or consequences. Free to challenge those in positions of power who abuse their authority.
Now, that is true freedom!
Let me know in the comments how you have been claiming your authority, finding your true self and standing in your power.
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