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Though Adam Smith is frequently associated with modern capitalism, he could be accused of or credited with (depending on your perspective) some socialist thought as well, as illustrated in this passage from 'The Wealth of Nations':

"In the progress of the division of labour, the employment... of the great body of the people, comes to be confined to a few very simple operations... The man whose life is spent in performing a few simple operations, of which the effects too are, perhaps always the same, or very nearly the same, has no occasion to exert his understanding... He naturally loses, therefore, the habit of such exertion, and generally becomes as stupid and ignorant as it is possible for a human creature to become."

Karl Marx couldn't agree more.

Though we are certain that Mr. Smith was not advocating collective ownership, he was warning of a danger inherent in a capitalistic division of labour. It appears (from my limited research) that his recommendation for avoiding this dumbing-down of the working class in the workplace, is schooling and education; as opposed to Mr. Marx who did recommend collective ownership - and we see how that has worked out. Agreeing with Mr. Smith, I have also (throughout this site) advocated education and the importance of constant learning and growth. But the danger today lies not only in the workplace. Technology has taken us from the industrial worker of Adam Smith's day to the knowledge worker of today; and this progress combined with ever-increasing consumerism has shifted this dumbing-down to also (and I believe, more so) encompass the resulting market-driven onslaught.

I have recently spewed forth considerable written thought on consumerism, and the need for an education that would support and nurture a more rational, less emotional understanding of the deviously-compelling communication surrounding consumer goods and services. We have transitioned from working drones to consumer drones. We are fortunately though, living in an age where one's Purpose and identity does not necessarily have to be associated with one's job, workplace, or the acquisition of stuff. By taking advantage of the many avenues of self-education, and putting forth some effort, the working/consumer class in many countries can truly avoid the danger of 'stupidity and ignorance' as described by Adam Smith, and also avoid that same 'stupidity and ignorance' resulting from the tyranny of the majority as it is connected to consumerism, narcissistic conformity, bureaucracy, and mass media sleight-of-hand. And as I have said before, the saddest part is that the tyrannizing majority is often not an actual majority, but only a vocal majority - a vocal majority holding onto their power by distracting us with pretty promises and shiny, new consumer goods and services.

We are not a collective, nor will we ever be. But we also are not a society of individuals, and Liberty is not as accessible / attainable as it could be. (I am again veering towards recent written thought, so I am inclined to take a step back for a few hours to better understand where I am going...)

After re-calibrating my internal GPS ...

My thoughts in the past 24 hours have revolved around an Uprising! A Revolution! Rebellion! An innovative, independent insurgency, (carried out with respect and humility), against those who power and perpetuate bureaucracy, narcissism, consumerism, and all those other evils mentioned and implied above and in previous posts. I mapped it all out in my head:

• Innovative: a creatively quiet disruption of 'business as usual' via seemingly random acts of defiant subversion that attack or (at the least) avoid abstruse propaganda.
• Independent: individual plans of attack / avoidance not to be shared before or after the fact in order to confuse and frustrate the powers that be, and to ensure genuine buy-in and follow-through by the rest of us. This insurgency will only work if it is independent; market-driven conspirators will smell out an organized human-driven conspiracy.
• Humble: knowing that I alone will not change the world, but actively hoping that more and more individuals will fight the good fight independently, ultimately turning the tide, and knowing for that to happen, I must do my part.
• Respectful: no intentional lasting harm... Understanding that many (perhaps most) of those in power have been indoctrinated to believe in what they do, and understanding that the only way to re-humanize them is to remove their source of power; i.e. our herd mentality.

It sounds difficult (at best) to conduct a rebellion without organizing; but by organizing we would be presenting a united front that would quickly be analyzed and quantified by wealthy market-driven collectives, who would counter with their greater resources to again take advantage. Effective insurgence must be independently planned and executed specific to one's interests and circumstance. Following are 11 seditious suggestions:

1. Ignore 'Sales' that need more than 10 words to explain, and/or that you do not understand. In fact, when a store is having such a sale, you should avoid that store entirely, unless it is in search of an 'absolute necessity' - (see #4 below).
2. When presented with policy, procedure, rules, or other muddy verbal or written bureaucraspeak, ask for simplification until you do understand. Do not be afraid to say "I don't understand' Or "I don't know."
3. (As much as possible) don't voluntarily talk to lawyers acting in an official capacity, and avoid anything generated or influenced by a lawyer.
4. Set aside one week per month (or 2 days per week) and more if/when you are able, in which you only purchase 'absolute necessities' - you define 'absolute necessity' but be strict and play fair; if you don't typically spend 'mad' money Monday thru Thursday, don't choose only those days to restrain yourself. Additionally, reduce ALL work/market days from the available 24/7 to a maximum 16/7. And on any day, if you buy it, you must ultimately use it for its intended purpose.
5. Whenever possible buy used - buy local - avoid chains - trade down - barter goods and services - do not buy over the phone or from the TV - avoid interest and fees.
6. Invest in a DVR and never watch another commercial; or better yet, turn off the TV and pick up a book.
7. Car pool, bicycle, or walk.
8. Don't pay someone to do anything that you can do as effectively. If you don't know how to cook - learn.
9. Purchase / own only one vehicle for every 2 to 3 people in your household. If this causes hardship, figure it out.
10. Do not vote for an incumbent to any office beyond the local level, and even then, think (at least) twice.
11. Know the difference between market currencies and human currencies; (see this post and this post); you figure out which is more important to you, and when.

Regardless of where you work (manufacturing, production, a service industry, health-care, education, government, etc.) or don't work, in many ways (it appears) a majority of us have become knowledge workers. It is now time for each one of us, individually, to choose to expend the effort to evolve (and quickly) from simply a knowledge worker to a knowledge seeker. Each one of us, individually, must find our sense of insurgency. No matter the effort to dumb-me-down I can push back and choose to seek Knowledge, Wisdom, and Truth; and ultimately, in the course of my Lifetime, Happiness.

The following paragraph is an excerpt from the work of fiction 'Dark Eden' by Chris Beckett; (the character is 15 year old John the day after he stood his ground and killed a leopard, when instead he could have easily hidden in a tree):

"You're all of you hiding up in trees like Gerry did, I said in my head to all those friendly smiling people, and that's the trouble with bloody Family. You eat and you drink and you slip and you quarrel and you have a laugh, but you don't really think about where you're trying to get to or what you want to become. And when trouble comes, you just scramble up trees and wait for the leopard to go away and then afterward giggle and prattle on for wakings and wakings about how big and scary it was and how it nearly bit off your toes, and how so-and-so chucked a bit of bark at it and whatshisname called out a rude name. Gela's tits! Just look at you!"

Today the leopard may come because I call it. Tomorrow it may come of its own volition. Yesterday it managed to sneak up on me when my guard was down. Last week it fooled me into thinking it was my friend. Next week I may face it down and run it off. Last month I opened my arms and let it feed on me. This Summer I intend to track down the biggest one I can find and secretly observe it in its natural habitat, in the active hope that I may learn from it and spend less time giggling in the trees.

We will never be friends. No matter how many I kill, there will always be leopards. A leopard's flesh is noxious and bitter. A leopard's heart is nutritious and savory. Many will hide in the trees at the sight of a leopard - Some will hide in the trees at the sound of a leopard - A few will hide in the trees at the thought of a leopard - And a few of those, live in the trees.

There are some days when others perceive me as the leopard. On these days I must decide if I will chase them up the trees or simply sing my leopard song to let them know I am here. I must occasionally chase them up their trees so my leopard song will be heard. I must be wary though of other nearby leopards, and of the possibility that what I am chasing may turn out to be a larger leopard. There can only be one leopard in any given moment. Some days it is good to be the leopard.

There are some days when the leopard is inside me. On these days I must decide if I will smother it or leave it to run loose. If the leopard is inside me and I smother it quickly, very little changes. If the leopard is inside me and I let it run, I may learn and grow. The longer I allow the leopard to run inside me, the greater the learning and the greater the possibility it will escape ... and then what? If it escapes from inside me, this would be a different leopard than the one that sings and chases others up their trees. This would be a leopard that could as easily turn on me. This would be a leopard that can climb trees. This would be a leopard singing a song of incendiary dissonance. When the leopard is inside me - before it escapes - I must smother it.

Many, many years ago leopards could only sing. Recently leopards have learned to laugh. Many, many years ago most leopards were brightly colored and sang proudly. Today more and more leopards blend into their surroundings and their song can be indiscernibly hypnotic. Many, many years ago our time spent hiding in the trees was considered a sad, but necessary, part of Life. Today, many of us passively accept this time in the trees as normal, often oblivious to the fact that we are even hiding; and those who don't realize they are hiding are generally more susceptible to the siren song of this new breed of leopard. Many, many years ago most leopards knew they were leopards. Today, more and more leopards believe they are saviors.

I cannot think about where I am trying to get to or what I want to become if I am hiding in a tree. To seek Truth and Wisdom - one must acknowledge the leopards; one must recognize the leopards; one must learn from the leopards; one must live with the leopards; and some days, one must be the leopard. To study the leopard, brings forth Wisdom. The closer one comes to the leopard, the closer one comes to Truth. To glimpse the leopard's hidden beauty, engenders Peace. And to experience the symbiotic tug between the leopard and its prey, feels a little like (I would imagine) Happiness might feel.

When you meet someone for the first time and ask, "What do you do?" what are you really asking? "What purpose do you serve??" - "Are you a useful member of society??" - "Should I talk to you??" - "Are you worthy??" Or is it truly and simply a conversation starter? But even then, when our intent is innocent and honorable, can one help but to draw conclusions based on the answer?

Carefully consider the following responses to the question "What do you do?" and honestly gauge your instinctive reaction, paying particular attention to the mental image that comes to mind.

"I am a doctor."

"I work at McDonald's."

"I am a writer."

"I am a teacher."

"I am an actor."

"I am unemployed and homeless."

"I am President of a bank."

"I am in construction."

"I am in retail."

"I work for the government."

"I am between jobs."

"I am a police officer."

"I am a church pastor."

"I am on disability."

"I am a philanthropist."

"I am a waitress."

"I am a student."

It is easy to attach one's purpose with 'what they do', but is it accurate? Is it fair? Or is it simply a shortcut allowing us to judge and compartmentalize so we may move on with our own busy life? It is hard work to know what one does and not judge them by it. It is often hard work to even acknowledge that another may not be as we see them. These types of exercises are not new and (for me) this exercise and others like it clearly indicate the ease with which we stereotype; and its complete lack of accuracy and fairness. And anyone who claims that 'stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason' is contributing to the self-fulfilling prophecy that they become.

But what if the Bank President truly claims to be a Bank President? What if their spouse, family, and friends confirm a consistent persona / identity from work to home to social situations to even their hopes and dreams (sleeping and awake)? I have seen this, and though I cannot speak to the prevalence, from personal experience (in hindsight), it is sad. When one stereotypes oneself, we are unfair to our self and (potentially) to others by judging who we are by what we do, and by applying behaviors suitable for one realm to another.

But ... (some may ask) ... what about crossover traits? What about those characteristics suitable to both what we do and who we are? And I agree. There are some human currencies (see this post and this post) that are indeed beneficial to both. But there are also some expressions of character that are typically not suitable for a casual or first-time encounter, or for the large majority of workplace encounters. Two come immediately to mind: (1) personal spirituality, and (2) counterpart currencies described in this aforementioned post as "including fear, manipulation, disrespect, distrust, cruelty, indifference, disdain, insensitivity, avoidance, scorn, rejection, and the seven (pride, anger, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, and sloth) deadly sins." I believe these two personal expressions are not only unavoidable aspects of one's Humanity, but also critical to 'who we are'. So this means if relationship and circumstance are suitable to allow one to preach personal faith, God, or religion, they should also allow another to brag about drunken exploits, sexual conquests, and other personal excess. Both personal spirituality and counterpart currencies are statements of character that some (including myself) consider private, (at least partially) due to their esoteric nature. Some may argue this point, (especially in the case of personal spirituality), but remember that I am saying these personal expressions are typically not suitable for a casual or first-time encounter, or for the large majority of workplace encounters; the flip side being that they are encouraged as relationships develop and grow, and (I believe) they are mandatory for personal encounters with oneself. Yet still, if we become so wrapped up in what we do, we may disregard these other critical aspects and we may forget who we are.

It is obvious (to me) that I should differentiate between what I do and who I am, though what I do will always have some impact on who I am, and in ideal circumstances who I am should also impact what I do. What is not so obvious is how to avoid superficially judging others. Perhaps "What do you do?" is not the best question for a casual encounter. Yet "What purpose do you serve?" which is the least confrontational of the other questions presented in the first paragraph, is still confrontational. Some other questions that come to mind (such as "what do you hope to accomplish in your time allotted here on Earth?") are probably too deep and invasive for these casual / first-time encounters and most workplace encounters.

So here are some alternatives in the form of 3 'Perhaps': Perhaps #1 - perhaps one should completely avoid the "What do you do?" question and first search for common ground; not by asking what books / movies / TV you have read / seen, but instead by asking have you read / seen... and then naming something of personal interest. The same method can apply to food, drink (coffee / beer / wine), music, sport, hobbies, games, etc. Perhaps #2 - when asked "What do you do?" perhaps one should answer it in an unexpected way such as, "Whatever I feel like" or "With an eye to the future, I learn from the past, to live in the moment." And then follow up quickly with a playful "What do you do?" Perhaps #3 - perhaps instead of "What do you do?" one should ask "Who are you?" and when the other party responds with their name and you have politely reciprocated, inquisitively ask "but who are you at your very best?" This will hopefully encourage (at least) a moment of thoughtful consideration, yet still can be answered simply (ex. 'a parent') without seeming to pry. (Once a relationship has developed - such as the relationship one has with oneself - we should flip the question and ask "Who are you at your very worst?").

Even when these options are exercised, at some point the "What do you do?" topic will come up, and it is still likely to have some impact on one's judgment of another, regardless of the foundation that has been built. And this is the real crux of what I have been thinking about this week; (and it only took about 1000 words). It is not only the question "What do you do?" (or "What did you do?") that has troubled me this week, but also the corollary questions "How did you do it?" - "Why did you do it?" - "Do you think I can/should do it?" - "What should you have done?" - "What should you have not done?" - "Why didn't you do (this)?"

With very few (if any) exceptions, each one of us experience Life's ups and downs in various ways, for varying lengths of time, and we each react / respond differently to these changes and challenges. When we know someone well, we have probably seen them close to or at their very best, and we have probably seen them close to or at their very worst. I have observed a human tendency to sometimes focus on another's very best traits and characteristics when they are 'up' and their very worst traits and characteristics when they are 'down'; (I am guilty). Perhaps this is indicative of our need for free will and control, helping us to rationalize another's good fortune or to explain the 'spot they've put themselves in'. But it also depends on circumstance. If we feel the circumstance is beyond their control (such as sudden, unexpected good fortune, wealth, illness, or accident), this tendency should not apply; though it may manifest itself as fear or envy.

My question is, does this make sense? Shouldn't we turn this around? When someone is down, shouldn't we work at building them up by reminding them of themselves at their very best. I believe we may often do this especially at the onset of a Life challenge. But if this challenge is prolonged... what then? And sometimes, even at the onset, we may be sincerely encouraging to the individual, but focusing our inner thoughts on what they could have, should have, etc. - in other words, we focus on their worst traits when they are down; and I believe this insincerity is, on some level, discernible. Additionally, as a difficult or challenging situation continues, it is also common to be less and less encouraging (which is perceived as discouraging), and it is not uncommon to share this 'focus on worst traits' with others. It is easy to remember the good in someone when Life is good. It is also easy for some of the aforementioned corollary questions to crowd out those memories of 'good' when Life takes a downturn. This applies to oneself as well as to others, and can (in either case) initiate and perpetuate a downward spiral that becomes more and more difficult to overcome, bringing us back to the self-fulfilling prophecy of stereotypes; (i.e. 'You are a failure').

It is difficult to avoid thinking 'could have / should have' and it is difficult to not voice opinions and advice; but when someone is down (our self or another) perhaps one should simply ask "Who are you at your very best?" in the active hope that we can know that, and hang on...

"Who are 'You' at 'your' very best?"

Last week I discovered a renewed, streamlined Purpose having shed the heft of heavy garments worn to protect me from (what I had perceived as) the cold indifference of other's judgments. I discovered that these judgments (that I believed were cold) were (for the most part) simply an apathetic narcissism on their part combined with a narcissistic uncertainty on my part. Our Humanity dictates a certain level of self-interest to protect and advance one's personal well being, but if one is careless this self-interest may bruise and swell, becoming narcissism.

These thoughts have led me to a better understanding of the purpose of Purpose. Purpose is defined as 'a reason for existence' and also as 'an intended result, aim, or goal' which illustrates how it serves to layer an hour within a day within a month within a year within a decade within a Lifetime within a moment; the most important of these (perceived) time frames, being the moment. I have frequently said, in various ways, one should learn from the past and look to the future to live in the moment. The moment is also the focus of meditation, and (I believe) a key to Inner Peace.

Movement, synonymous with progress or forward movement, is often associated with Happiness. I believe 'forward movement' is redundant in that any movement (that does no harm) is progress. A lack of movement leads to stagnation, making growth impossible. It is up to the individual to determine the line between stagnation and progress. And this line is the minimum standard from which one derives Purpose.

If you imagine this line stretching in both directions further than you can see, this leaves innumerable possibilities for forward movement resulting in growth and helping one to find Purpose. Last week I said that 'intuition is why we pursue Happiness to begin with', and I believe it is also intuition that will lead us to our proper place (or at least its neighborhood) at the starting line that divides stagnation and progress. The starting gun was fired long ago.

In the previous post 'Knowing Unknowable Happiness' I defined and described 'Intuition' as follows:

Intuition is defined as 'direct perception of truth independent of any reasoning process'.

Intuition occurs in that magical (mystical) moment when one has transcended a particular aspect or (in rare moments) the whole of oneself, but has not yet consciously realized it. In this moment, there are no words. Once the moment becomes tangible (known), the magic is gone; and we cannot re-mystify the mundane. Through words though, we can (and do) glorify these leaps that (we feel) pull magic from beyond. These leaps and the effort expended are 'learning', and this magic made tangible becomes personal growth. 'Learning and Growth' is important and (in a worldly sense) magical, but still, once words are applied...

Intuition also occurs when one transcends, yet never consciously realizes it. This intuition (I believe) is/(is not) identifiable as a teasing vexation that resonates yet is easily ignored or dismissed. This intuition is like a beautiful butterfly seen fleetingly, yet not captured, pinned down (with words), and put on display. This intuition is elusive, therefore thought by some to also be illusive. This intuition is encouraged by solitude, thoughtful reflection, Love, pain, work, and Goodness; but this intuition can also stop us in our tracks on a crowded sidewalk, or in the middle of a busy workday, or (most rewarding) in the middle of a meaningful conversation, but we only stop momentarily, pause to look all around, and wonder "What was That?" This intuition is fleeting, unknown, and yet, somehow, known.

I think it is important to connect Intuition and Purpose. I look around and too often see one's Purpose dictated by circumstance and/or (worse yet) a parent, a mentor, or an influential other. I have been guilty of dispensing strong advice. Regardless of how one is led astray, and regardless of the circumstantial necessity that may result, one can still follow their gut/heart/spirit to find personal, intuitive Purpose. It is hard work and as discussed last week it will likely not lead to widespread or content-specific validation, but as I am learning, it can lead to personal fulfillment. A simple respect and tolerance is all that is needed from others. The Purpose is mine; and my intuition (as an often-overlooked, vital aspect of my internal essence) has led me here.

The light spread, suddenly. It took many years though for a full appreciation. It began from above and behind as a warm, luminous glow with occasional hazy, humid patches, ultimately graduating to a few silky, white clouds surrounded by seas of brightening blue and the mellifluous bird calls and whistles that accompany good weather. Once the peaceful elements settled in comfortably, the serenity of the sun and sky surrounded all sides like a circle of big fluffy cat tails, creating a pleasant patch of hopeful confidence from where all horizons presented the same promising, ethereal shining closing in not only from all directions, but each distant ray of sun also reaching its radiant fingers overhead in search of its fellow celebrants.

A look at the ground revealed green grass and gentle, rolling hills as far as one could see. On sturdy legs I quickly navigated the solid, narrow path that pledged to keep me safe avoiding hazards and treachery lurking in the infrequent shadows that appeared more flirtatious than dangerous, threatening no more than a slight setback or delay. A veridical rolling righteousness I thought would endlessly carry me through the pastoral countryside of my blissful existence.

It is hard to ignore these blessings intent on soothing the senses - the surrounding harmonious resplendence from above and beyond, and the hypnotic, softly-swaying rhythm from below; it leaves me comfortable and complacent.

A look at my thoughts revealed room for expansion; an opportunity to learn and grow; a chance to explore the shadows and escape the quiescence. I immersed myself in poetry, and literature, and history, and philosophy, and music, and spirituality. I learned to doubt and to ask lots of questions. I found answers that led to more questions that led to more doubt that led to more searching. I found complexity that simplified, and I intuited an unreachable depth that goes on forever. I embraced Dark to better know Light. I discovered the value of work, and I rediscovered the value of Goodness. And once or twice I found an inner peace that validated pain and adversity.

Today, a look into my center reveals active hope tempered by reality. I must acknowledge the current sunshine, warmth, brightening sky, narrow path, and lambency from above, and I must respond by increasing my efforts. I must continue to learn and grow. Thus far I have explored the shadows and I have a newfound urgency; and I feel comfort transitioning to productive vexation. I intend for this journey to grow more arduous. I intend to expand uncertainty which (in theory) will push me to continue searching ...