Gaye Levy
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.
The burden of truth and knowledge has always been a struggle for me personally. Some days, this struggle is so powerful that my head hurts from sorting through fact and innuendo; so much so that I just want to shout “enough” and give up the effort to stay enlightened.
I first wrote about the burden of truth and knowledge back in September 2012. Sadly, not a whole lot has changed since then. If anything, this struggle has become worse as we deal with increased threats of cyber terrorism and worse.
As with all things related to survival and preparedness, chances are if I am having feelings in this direction, many others are as well. For that reason, today I am updating my original muse in an effort to help others deal with this overwhelming and all-encompassing of burden of truth and knowledge.
The Exhausting Burden of of Truth
Without conscious effort, this burden can be both exhausting and debilitating. One merely has to look around, read some news, or watch a little television to realize that there is major subterfuge going on. Knowing that deceit and trickery are around every corner, we are forced to dig deeply to examine facts, evaluate actions, and derive truthful conclusions based on evidence and fact rather than spin, propaganda, and political innuendo.
Not only is that time-consuming to constantly seek the truth hidden in the web of lies, but that truth and knowledge can begin to eat at our very core, manifesting itself in the relentless and unstoppable pursuit of even more knowledge, more facts and sadly, more acceptance that our world as we have known it is doomed.
What Triggers the Search for the Truth?
Just what exactly is happening to cause this pursuit? Let us start with just a few examples.
A worsening global economy fueled by excess government spending, undeserved entitlements, and a dearth of decent, well-paying jobs
The likelihood of massive food shortages within the next few years due to adverse weather patterns and droughts
The threat of laboratory mutations causing a worldwide pandemic
Ongoing and insidious use of political and government power to reign in and control the masses
False and misleading statistics are taken out of context and being paraded as truths
Manipulation of our food supply via misguided bioengineering without due regard for our health
The expansion of the super rich, the elimination of the middle class, and the swelling of the working class
Enforced non-ratified taxes in the form of “Obamacare” (aka The Affordable Care Act) that will impoverish those who were just barely making ends meet, by requiring high payments, high penalties, and causing the inability to receive medical care without it
Propaganda and fear are used to influence where you live, what you purchase, and how you deal with healthcare
An increasingly militarized police force that often deals out the death penalty right on the streets without anything resembling a judge or jury
Personal freedoms and liberties are being sacrificed, in the United States, at least, by quiet little Executive Orders that carry a big punch
Need I go on? I think not since the enlightened are already aware of the malfeasance that attempts to control and manipulate our lives.
Recently I posed this question on Facebook:
I have been musing with the Shelly, (aka the Survival Husband), on the burden of knowledge versus oblivion. Does anyone else feel it? The burden, that is.Wouldn’t life be easier if we simply ignored the truth?
The Ultimate Burden of Knowledge
I was overwhelmed with emails that related anecdotal stories of the personal strife created by this very same muse. Family members accusing them of being crazy, friends and co-workers tagging them as nut jobs, and the despondency created when trying to awaken the blind to the truth about our world were a recurrent theme.
In a perfect world, I would like to think that we – as an educated and modern society – would face these burdens together. But alas, our world is not perfect. Not that it ever has been but now, with the proliferation of the electronic age, we are more aware of just how imperfect the world and society have become. This same electronic age, and the internet specifically, has allowed the powers-that-be to create false flags and falsehoods with rapid deployment via recognized news channels. How can you really blame the uninformed for accepting such lies at face value?
Most people would prefer to accept the reality presented by “reality shows” like that one about the Kardashians than the reality that is smacking them in the face. Cognitive dissonance affects the overwhelming majority of the country, who would rather discuss which actress wore what shocking outfit to an award show, than the real problems that threaten us all.
Many of us find that our shoulders are not strong enough to carry this burden alone. And yet we attempt to do so in the very best way we can. We stock up on food, we learn survival and coping skills and we become accustomed to living with less not because we have to but because we may be forced to one month, one year, or even ten years from now. It can be a lonely journey.
How lovely it would be get up each morning, put on a happy face and go about the day. With a few extra dollars in our wallet, perhaps we would purchase some new shoes or go spend $100 on a night out on the town. An emergency fund? What is that? Pay off credit card debt? What for? Just keep on smiling, keep on having a good time and assume that if something bad happens, the government or those crazy preppers will take care of us.
And so, if you are like me, you do your best to carry on in spite of it all. Some days are better than others.
After work, if the sun is out and the chores are done, you might take a hike or hit the lake in your kayak. On other days, things are not so pleasant. Time is spent reading, writing, learning, sharing – doing whatever it takes to keep spirits alight and optimism – now cautious – alive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Final Word
I share this short essay with you today as much as a catharsis for myself as a message to let you know that you are not alone as you internalize your knowledge and attempt to come to terms with its effect on your life, your loved ones, and your moral values.
We all need coping mechanisms and tools to deal with this very real human condition called survival. As you pick your way among those tools, be secure in the knowledge that by learning and living to be self-sufficient and self-reliant, you are taking control of your life and living it in the very best way you can.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
If you enjoyed this article, consider subscribing to email updates. When you do, you will receive a free, downloadable copy of my e-Book, The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.
You can also vote for Backdoor Survival daily at Top Prepper Websites!
We have not heard much about Ebola or other pandemics lately but you can bet that the risk is still out there. Here are some sick room supplies to have on hand as a preventative measure in the event things get serious. Note that I am including a couple of amusements as well. See the article: Seven Facts You Should Know About Ebola (or any other pandemic).
3M N95 Particulate & Respirator Mask: This is an inexpensive mask that can be used in a variety of emergency situations. They come in a box of 20 and are NIOSH-certified. The molded cone design is fluid and splash resistant and will greatly reduces your exposure to airborne particles.
Moldex 2730 N100 Respirator Mask: Do not confuse P100 masks with the N100s. N100 is what you want since the P100’s are used to filter particulate only and not gasses and vapors. Note that if you are on the small side, you will need to order the smaller version which is the Moldex 2731.
Disposable Protective Coveralls: There are plenty to choose from. I purchased these DuPont White Tyvek Disposable Coveralls With Hood in a medium and it fit me okay with a bit of excess room left over. Shelly needs a large, definitely.
3M TEKK Protection Chemical Splash/Impact Goggle: I read a ton of reviews before settling on these. I was so impressed with both the fit and comfort that I ordered another pair to use as a spare. These are great and the price is right.
Spark Naturals Essential Oils: It is no secret that I prefer essential oils from Spark Naturals. They are well priced and of the highest therapeutic quality. You enjoy an additional 10% off all items, including sale items, when using code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout. In addition, SN announces a discounted “Item of the Week” every Monday, and yes, the extra 10% discount will apply.
Shield Protective Blend: Here is a direct link to one my most diffused essential oils. If you can only afford a few oils, I would suggest Shield, Lavender and Melaleuca (Tea Tree).
Bicycle Canasta Games Playing Cards: This timeless classic will keep the entire family occupied when the power it out. Playing cards or board games should be in everyone’s preparedness kit.
Ticket To Ride: This my favorite board game, bar none. Family friendly, you will spend hours in front of the fireplace playing Ticket to Ride with your favorite people. This is worth the splurge.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: The LifeStraw is considered the most advanced, compact, ultra light personal water filter available. It contains no chemicals or iodinated resin, no batteries and no moving parts to break or wear out. It weighs only 2oz. making it perfect for the prepper. For more information, see my LifeStraw review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
43 Responses to “Struggling With The Burden of Truth and Knowledge”
A wise woman answered my complaint once, with these words,
“A pioneer is always alone.”
I think being able to stand alone with your own truth is a good survival skill.
Well done. You have an eloquent and succint way of addressing the problems ahead. It is depressing being the loner, but it is worth doing considering what lies ahead. Who knows, the child you save might be your future savior. Blessings!
Oh, and I can see why you and Ure have been friends for so long. You are both really good writers.
It’s been said: “I would rather stand outside, in the pouring rain, holding up the shabbiest TRUTH than walk in opulence carrying The Best Dressed Lie.” Your burden of truth may be heavy; but your strength and courage to carry it ranks right up there with Generals of The U. S. Army.
Thank you for this. I have printed it out – and others should too – and keep it hand for those days when it seems as though it is all too much.
— Gaye
Well said, Gaye. At some level we must trust our instincts and our intuition that have allowed most of us to survive and thrive up til now. I am winning converts in my family and social circles by remaining calm and being proven right time after time by the events and shams unfolding around us. Sensible people recognize all is not right. We will always have cognitive dissonance to deal with in some members of society, but common sense will prevail for more and more. Hopefully, enough people will get it before it’s too late. I’m glad you are helping people get to that place with your sites!
The knowledge that is truly necessary is the knowledge required to be self sufficient. One could then detach, and stop supporting the uber parasites who caused most of this. Without hosts the parasites will die, so if enough folks detach, or actively work toward it, the parasites will have to drop the deception to feed, or do some usefull work!! Then everyone will know, and there will be no need to teach.
While it is good to have stored goods and emergency preps, what is really necessary is a sustainable lifestyle that requires only local imputs and alows one to detach from the system. There would then be little need to worry about what “they” are doing, or about what happens when your storage is depleted.
What does it mean to detach? Here is a 12 step program. Under the current system, almost no one can take all the steps, some will not want to, and others by luck and/or foresight will be there already. Some will disagree, or not mind supporting their oppressors. Some may suggest further steps, and they are welcome to. However, I believe there is value in obtaining what freedom is possible now.
1. Stop watching their media, it is not called programming for nothing! Or, monitor it just enough to compile a list of advertizers to boycott. Withdrawal was difficult for me, as i was a “news junkie”; but now, after a media fast, the lies are so obvious it is painfull. The “attitude adjustments” in other programming and movies are much more insidious, few can catch them all. A free mind does not need subconcious or subliminal programming.
2. If you have a choice, don’t work for them. Work for yourself if possible, otherwise, avoid government at all levels; and corporations with government ties or contracts. This includes Big Ag, Big Banks, “defence” Big Finance, Big Pharma and corporations they control. It also includes professions that require major interaction with those mentioned.
3. Live debt free. If you have debt, pay it off if possible. If you are bankrupt, face up to it and get it over. Whatever your situation, debt enslaves you to the system, being free and detached requires carrying little or no debt.
4. If you receive government money, (pension, disability, SS, SNAP, whatever), try to develop other resources until you can live without it.
5. Don’t loan to or borrow from them, or let them “manage” your money; keep your money out of banks if possible, or in small local banks or credit unions if not. Otherwise they win and you lose.
6. Buy local if possible. When buying local, favor those who produce and hire local.
7. Avoid transfer “taxes” and fees on plastic. Transaction fees paid by merchants are free money for the banks and cause everything to cost more. Pay cash when possible.
8. Produce your own food, and/or purchase locally grown and raised food. Consider local hunting or fishing if it produces real returns (this is rare) and you have the necessary skills. If none of these is possible, consider moving to where they are possible.
9. Produce your own heat. If you live where winter heating is necessary, find a way to provide that without outside inputs. Locally purchased local firewood being the major exception. If building, consider designing for passive solar.
10. Produce your own power/energy if you can afford to. In most places even the most efficient and appropriate home energy system will cost more than it pays back based on current utility costs, especially if not grid tied. The exception is a good micro hydro site. But if you can afford it, you are buying peace of mind and will not have to worry about grid failure. Having a whatever home power you can afford fosters independence. If you can’t afford it, consider methods used before electricity was common. For example, home canning some of your produce (maybe on an outside wood stove?) instead of freezing it.
11. Income taxes. Obviously, if you can provide for all your needs without “income” you don’t need to pay income tax. Considering the required money to pay other taxes though, this is almost impossible for most property owners. Ideas anyone??
12. Property taxes: Unless you happen to be a minister living on a church farm, there are few ways of avoiding property taxes. (If you rent, you are paying them to your landlord) There are attempts in some states to abolish property taxes, but no success so far.
“A worsening global economy fueled by excess government spending, undeserved entitlements, and a dearth of decent, well-paying jobs”
Regarding excess gov’t spending…hope you realize that most of the gov’t spending includes the Pentagon and our various Wars, as well as the interest on our nation’s debt (Treasuries).
By ‘undeserved entitlements…hope you are referring to the massive gov’t subsidies given to Corporations. Many major multi-national corporations pay nothing in the way of taxes.
However, if you are talking about SS and Medicare, working people paid into those programs. It’s not as if the gov’t didn’t get payroll taxes for these programs. And Food Stamps, I know there are a few who scam the system, but I am in no way going to see people hungry.
Of late, I have noticed people walking around who look as if they are starving…they are so very thin and their clothes are barely hanging on to the frames of their bodies.
Decent middle-class jobs: again look to the Corporate world and see how the CEOs have decided to move millions of jobs off-shore.
Last, look at what has been done since the Financial Collapse of 2008….Nothing. All of those banksters who caused the mess are still there, but now it’s actually worse. The Commercial banks have bought the Investment banks…no more Glass Steagall! We’re doomed.
And as far as I’m concerned the ‘hippies’ were right. They lived in community that was self-sustaining. What is wrong with that?
My grandfather wouldn’t even discuss The Great Depression with me….it was that horrible. But my grandmother never turned a ‘hobo’ away. She gave them a seat at the table with everyone else.
Everyone needs to take a walk on ‘the poor side of town’ and see what it’s like. Visit a Domestic Violence Center and count your blessings. The budgets for anything to do w/ women, children, and the elderly are ALWAYS the first to be cut. Why? They have the weakest voices.
I hope these Truths don’t distort your selfish outlook. Just remember, but for the Grace of God go I. In the blink of an eye, your island could be washed away. Then what? Take a cruise?
P.S. There is nothing one can do to shake people out of Denial.
Undeserved entitlements: free healthcare to illegals, subsidized college tuition to foreigners, humungous bailouts to the crooked Wall Street banking machine, excessive and obscene benefits to Congress and more. I think you get the drift.
I would never diss Social Security and Medicare. I was just talking about that to the Survival Husband last night (who gets both). I have paid and paid and paid into the system both as an employee and an employer. That is not an entitlement. It is a return on the investment that was made throughout my working life. It is not our fault that our government chose to use those funds for purposes other than the rightful payout to citizens of our country.
Thank you Gaye, for that reply. I am on Social Security Disability and have sometimes, been made to feel that I am a free-loader. I worked very hard for many, many years and paid in to a system that has been severely disabused. I now use my time, energy, and small income to prepare for the inevitable, for myself, my husband and my family. And hopefully, to have enough left over to provide for others.
I feel lucky, growing up with older, depression-era parents, then being part of the ‘hippie’, self-sufficient, collective movement in the 1970s.
I learned to make-do, a lot.
Also, having studied Chinese Medicine, I now have 10,000 years of periodic disasters and survival knowledge to back me up.
Remember, we are the progeny of those pioneers, explorers and survivors from the last disaster.
We are genetically programmed to make it through.
Hurrah!! For the holders of knowledge and the preppers.
I feel exactly the same way! My husband thinks I’m crazy, at work I’m an alarmist, my sister feels the same way I do, but refuses to take steps to prepare. I am trying to prepare first for my family of four, secondly for an extended family of about 24 and then thirdly for anyone left over, but doing it alone is hard! Your article caught my feelings up perfectly!
“My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane”. How true is that?
Well put. I believe the source is anonymous but am not sure.
Thank you for this article, it’s good to not feel so alone all the time. I have one person I can talk to, other that that, I just don’t talk about the things that I feel are important. On the net I feel like I’m part of a community, but in real life I work alone on all this. I appreciate knowing that others are out there.