Gaye Levy
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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.
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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
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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.
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43 Responses to “Struggling With The Burden of Truth and Knowledge”
I was talking to a friend of the family who is also a social worker the other day about how I was reorganizing my basement this weekend and the conversation wandered to EMP effects (after she wondered why I was organizing trash cans in the basement too.) She seemed surprised that if the electrical grid was down for more than a few days then the town water wouldn’t work anymore….
I think this is emblematic of what you’re seeing…too few people WANT to know the truth, and just want to go along thinking things will be fine. They assume that having a little extra in the bank and maybe enough food in the fridge to last the weekend is good enough. Why else would a well educated person not understand that when the power goes out so do the ATMs, refrigerators, and eventually the town water supply. Too many scary things out there that if they can pretend don’t exist then they can carry on being happy. We (preppers) know too much to turn our back on knowledge of real threats, and thus seek out what’s really going on to make sure we’re as prepared as we can be in the time available and with the resources at our disposal.
Be safe out there, everyone is a little crazy in their own way. 😛
The ONE thing I would like to convince my daughter of is the danger of modern vaccines. She doesn’t have children yet, but….
I know the doubt and intraspection of becoming aware. It is truly settling and uplifting to know that others share my vision and I am not crazy. That was the hardest part for me. I am the only one that sees this, I must be crazy. So I re-evaluated and re-investigated and tried to fit the facts (as I knew them) in to a different scenario, but the results were the same. After I awokened I stated to meet others that shared my vision. I shared my vision with those around me and mostly recieved the same response that everyone else has recieved. BUT one person I work with woke up and another I learned was already awake. That impact was huge. I AM NOT CRAZY, I am doing the right thing for my family though thye remain asleep. It has been difficult and I have had to be creative. I did not build a water resavoir, I built a fish pond. We did not learn to live with less, we went on a long term hiking trip. We did not grow a garden to become more food independent we are saving money and getting good exercise. Just last week, my father woke up, I wish I could figure out what I said… Thank you and everyone else who posts, it is good to know that I am not alone and that I am not crazy.
Your premise that “we” are an educated populace is wrong. The US population is woefully ignorant (especially of history), practically illiterate,yet believe they are educated because they have been told they are. They are gullible, trust “experts” and authorities, and follow what “most people believe” when they are cued by TV hair-dos quoting “polls”. I feel your burden and have found that most folks are asleep…until the “authorities” step on THEIR toes, then they start to get a glimmer. Hey, who am I to judge? I was them, until I realized that “my” local school was actually nothing more than a brainwashing facility for CHILDREN and a tool for local “business leaders” to fleece property owners. Once I started researching school reform (impossible, and a diversionary tactic) I couldn’t go back to being clueless.To every time, there is a season…..
@”K”;
THAT is one of the best and most observant comments I have read in YEARS!
It seems that the more formal education one has, the more naive they are; and the more they just trust “the system” and are incapable of rading between the lines/seeing what is going on before their own eyes.
I know/have known a few Ph.D’s. One, consistently loses money in the stock market, because he listens to the media and his broker, and buys when the market is at a peak! Another, bless her soul, with 4 degrees, in her late 40’s, is just now “waking up” and realizes that she wasted her life, as she no longer cares to work ion the politically-correct environment in which she is forced to if she wants to keep persuing a career in her chosen field- and now she is in massive debt for all the degrees; as well as having dedicated half of her life to acquiring them and working in that field. She’s basically starting out all over again, as she is about to turn 50- from where she shoulkd have been as a teenager- only now she has the added burden of a huge debt.
Kids today can barely even write cursive script anymore; and forget about doing any math without a calculator or computer! (People see me doing math in my head when I use my checkbook in a store, and look at me like I’m some kind of genius :D)
I was one of the lucky ones: In the late 70’s, I saw what was going on…and dropped out of high-school. That was when my education began! My only regret is that I wasted so many earlier years sitting in those classrooms; listening to a bunch of socialist garbage being espoused by some 23 year-old liberal dingbat who didn’t know her own butt from a hole in the ground, preach some gobblety-gook to 13 year-olds as if it were true, because she read it in a book and was being paid to preach it.
Bravo for a refreshingly true comment!
I am off to watch the video online (Mike Maloney’s Hidden Secrets of Money Part 4) so I can connect the dots. So what really had happened to his money??
I just stopped caring. I rather watch the world burn then to bother with the sheep.
Just as well; we can not un-do the brainwashing of the massive system of media and public schools- except to those who already have a clue/see the cracks.
This verse from the Bible comes to mind:
Ezekiel 14:20 “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”. (Times are so treacherous that even the most righteous men who ever lived would not even be able to influence those of their own households and families. How much the less, strangers?)
It doesn’t help us any, that some people who talk-the-talk ARE whacky. I encountered this lady when responding to a classified ad…she knew what was going on in this country….but she was telling people not to pay their credit card bills- and would spam people with crazy emails from rumor-mongers…. Or the guy I encountered in a store once, who’d go on and on about the Masons and the Bilderbergers et al, as if they controlled everything that ever happens in your life every minute of every day. My point: There do seem to be a lot of paranoid types and unstable people out there who “sound like us”; and not to mention that the gooberment is putting out a lot of false info disguised as alternate media- so that those who can not discern often don’t know what is true and what’s not….
Add to that, that the majority of our society is brainwashed in government schools, to hold a worldview which renders them perpetual children who go through their lives as slaves- and that brainwashing is bolstered for the rest of their lives through the media- and it is evident that we live in a time when lies are the norm, and those who merely use reason and logic, and who use their eyes to see; and speak the simple truth, are seen as radicals.
I have been ‘early’ for the past four years waiting for the wheels to fall off the bus. I have been laughed at more than once, and have moved my cash out of the market losing the great returns of the last few years. I sometimes feel that I might be wrong, as everyone else seems to think that everything, well not everything is just fine, even if there are some problems.
I seem to have looked at this deeper than most of them, and feel that prepping is the correct thing to do, even if nothing goes wrong in the immediate future. Keeping up the act is getting harder, but my preps are also getting better, so I really do not have much room to complain.
Just one thing I will like to share. I believe that people who are seeking truth and knowledge is not burdensome for anyone but the 1%. In fact, preparedness as a way of life is enlightening and keeps one focused on doing good things and in turn lessens anxiety, stress.
You know, my son tried to enlighten me after 9/11. I wasn’t hearing it, I wasn’t having it. I was in denial.
Its been probably 3 years ago, that my eyes popped open. Its such a sad day when it finally happens, you cry, you curse and shake your head. There are days I wish they were still closed, just because the burden of truth is so heavy, and most of the people around me still have their eyes closed to it. My husband has finally realized the truth, but occasionally he will say something to me that is very media driven, but I remember that period of awakening. When it just goes against every fiber of your being to believe our own govt. does things/allows things to happen that directly effect its own citizens.
There is not a day that goes by that I am not thinking about this. There are those in my family that think I am crazy for storing food, and other items. They laugh at my BOB. I just tell them that I pray to God, I will never ever have to use it, but it gives me a small measure of peace to know its there in case of a problem. Same with my stock of food and “other” things. I am a 50 year old woman with serious back problems, I don’t want to bug out. But if it comes to it, I am ready and will do it. There are bears here, and I will soon have my can of bear mace. (Please God dont let me bug out while the bears are hungry!)
I’m not completely depressed about this like I was at the beginning of this journey, you can only wallow in that muck for so long, then you realize you need to take action. Get prepared, even if all you buy in a week of preparing is some batteries. Just doing that gives me a measure of peace. I dipped jute in paraffin yesterday, and felt better about my BOB!
Its a lonely journey, compounded by the fact that you try to alert others to the way things are, only to have them scoff at you. I feel a responsibility to tell others that they should prep, even if the only thing that happens is weather related, thinking maybe they could relate to that, not bringing Chem-trails into the conversation!
I am an “Extremist” a “Doomsday Prepper” a “Conspiracy Theorist” the list goes on and on…at first it was hurtful. Now I just don’t care, call me what you will. I am not completely ready, and probably never will be, but always working at it in some way. So I prep. I know a few things that are certain truths to me. I don’t want to die from starvation. I don’t want to die from dehydration, or dysentery having no clean water supply. If my time comes, I will go happily to Heaven. But, if its not my time, and the SHTF I don’t need to suffer.
**As a side note…I wrote this but had to leave the house for a while, hadn’t posted yet. I got back on the PC to see an old friend of mine on FB has started seeing whats going on around her, she re-posted a video I had posted last week. Guess I wont delete that account just yet (I had been considering it). Maybe another person has been yanked out of her sleep!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. There are times when I get so bogged down by this burden of knowledge that even I get a bit depressed. That is what prompted me to write up //www.backdoorsurvival.com/10-commandments-of-survival/ a few days ago.
Most of my friends accept the fact that I am a little “off” but I can deal with that. I am lucky to have a supportive husband who is also a prepper but if I had to, I would do it alone.