Lessons from 2021: The rational way out - Part II
The common denominator of all these complex debates and arguments is that the way out of this nightmare is radical decentralization. There is already a (r)evolution in progress, whereby the individual peacefully says goodbye to this system, with its wasteful and largely useless centralized structures, its rigid, “one size fits all” rules and its obsession with retaining total control over everything and everyone. Abandoning this system was always a good idea, but now it is simply inevitable. As we’ve seen many times in the past, our societies are deeply divided and far from reaching a commonly agreed upon solution. Add to this mix the financial pressures, that will only get worse as inflation spirals out of control, and the preexisting political frictions, and what we’re faced with is a truly explosive cocktail.
The warnings from the history books are loud and clear at this point. If we keep going down this same road, we know how this story will end. But that doesn’t have to be the case: We don't have to behead the king, if we can just ignore him. Those who wish to trade their freedoms for some illusion of total safety and absolute protection may do so , but those who are happy and proud to turn down this offer should also have the opportunity to peacefully detach themselves and follow their own path.
Granted, it takes courage to make that choice. And not just because the pressure against it is so intense, but also because of the uncertainty that kind of “Plan B” entails. Going at it alone, or even with a small group of like-minded people, might feel uneasy at first, but it is my belief that this is an adventure that every self-respecting, enlightened human being should embark on; if not for themselves, then for the next generation.
At this point, for clarity’s sake, I must highlight that I am no naive idealist and I have no utopian vision of all the sound ideas prevailing and effectively changing the world. If anything, I would actually be repulsed by such a vision. Much like I detest others trying to impose their values on me, I would never want my own ideas to be forced upon my fellow man. Moreover, the entire world does not need to be changed for us to build our own futures; only our world has to change.We can create our own reality, our own small, self-sustainable and independent communities and take our destiny into our own hands.
In a practical, realistic sense, it is clear that not everyone can just literally upend their entire lives and simply “check out”. Most people have real life constraints, obligations, dependents and dependencies that, at least for the immediate future, require them to stay within the confines of the current system. There are, however, simple steps we can all take towards the right direction.
The ultimate goal of total individual liberty begins with financial independence. This is the most important and the heaviest yoke that we must shake off. The weaponization of the currency and using money itself to hold citizens hostage is the oldest trick in the book for central planners of all kinds. However, the antidote to it is even older: Precious metals, physical gold and silver in particular, have proven themselves to be the most reliable way out of this trap.
Understanding the importance of this first little step cannot be overstated. Especially at this point, as the inflationary pressures threaten to bring countless ordinary households to breaking point and as everyday citizens, who never even thought twice about the paper notes in their wallets, start to question the narratives they grew up with all their lives, it is quickly becoming imperative for rational investors, savers and for those who wish to preserve their wealth for the next generation to “check out” financially and monetarily before it is too late. Holding at least a part of your assets in physical precious metals, outside the banking system, has always been sound investing advice, but now it might very well turn out to be a life-changing move.
The coming months will be a test for all free-thinking and self-reliant people who wish to command their own fates. However, I am more optimistic than ever that we’ll succeed. On this positive note, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and despite all the external pressures and all the “noise”, I hope you will enjoy these festive days as they were meant to, together with your family and loved ones.
Claudio Grass, Hünenberg See, Switzerland
Source: Photo by Gerd Altmann auf Pixabay
