The gift of "going Galt".

Posted by $ Abaco 10 years, 8 months ago to Philosophy
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As I was driving in this morning I was hearing more news of how things are collapsing for us and our allies. It dawned on me that yet another gift from Atlas Shrugged was the concept of Going Galt. Before I read that book I would have been of the mindset of staying and confronting the looters and destroyers. But, I have too much to lose. I realize that now. I was always one to not back down from a fight. I'm wiser now. I can't save my country. Nobody can, actually. And, I'm at peace with that. I hear water cooler banter in the office about the recent debates and I just walk on by. It's just minutia - distraction. It sounds like, "Should our taxes be doubled or tripled?" to me.

I gained so much reading AS. Very grateful.


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  • Posted by Mamaemma 10 years, 8 months ago
    I am getting more and more furious about the money that has been taken from me by force for all of my working life. I m very aware that it is a ransom I pay in order to live my life and enjoy at least some of the rewards I have earned. Going Galt sure would take that anger away!
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  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 8 months ago
    start with the "Joe Crab Shack Fridays" (pick your restaurant) an hour to enjoy food, a beer, and discussion as to how you take your brain away from them. Believe it or not, it starts with down sizing. any way possible. this is the hardest part of leaving and even if you do not leave, brings you immense freedom. baby steps. pick one closet a week. Sell off things you do not use that much. all knick knacks-jettison. there are always freakin knick knacks in every country. so at the restaurant, a 1/2 hour of dreaming and planning long term, 1/2 hour one baby steps to downsize. Set a long term date. stick as close as possible to that date. after all the closets are done, you go room by room. start with the kitchen and pantry.
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    • Posted by $ 10 years, 8 months ago
      Thanks! Yes, I understand. We are traveling more lightly lately. I have sold off a little real estate. There may be more of that in the future. No debt (not that I wouldn't consider walking away from debt, I just never liked having any). I need to place a few Craigslist ads the next few days to sell some more stuff. Clearing a cabinet out of the garage this weekend.

      I write a regular newsletter for my work. Actually, it's going from quarterly to semi-annual soon as my business has grown (time management). But, recently in it I wrote a short article that, as the years have gone by, I have come to realize that in order to have a great life we each really need to have success/luck in three areas: Our families, our health, and our money. We just need to manage those (which can be harder than it sounds). But, those are the key. Everything else is just noise. My wife knows. When she starts to get wrapped around the axle I just say, "Three things." Haha...
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