Ultimately, I think this is what drew me to Tucker at such a young age. As I sit and write this in a restaurant, some lady screaming in her cell phone, all I want to do is turn; to look her in the eye and berate her for her absurdities. To articulate my marvel at her ability to be both underdressed and obnoxious even in a hamburger place, to tell her that since she can't talk at a normal level, not only am I unable to concentrate, but I now know the disgusting minutia of her dating life But I don't, I never do. She just goes on making me miserable, distracting me, wasting my time, infuriating me. I tell myself that the next time I will, or if she keeps doing it. Or, I chuckle at my own cleverness and fail to take it a step further.
But I know that Tucker wouldn't put up with it--that I shouldn't put up with it. That's what Thompson meant when he talked about the tyranny of the rat race. We need inspiration, proof that life doesn't have to beat us into submission.
And with this in mind, I am able to see, in stark contrast, my own failures. They are illuminated--for all their pathetic rationalizations--against the backdrop of a life embodied by action instead of restraint. And amazingly, then the next time the 'next time' happens, I actually do open my mouth. When you see that relentless, rabid refusal to succumb to political correctness or that status-quo, you can't help but look inward.
And so what if I, or others, project more meaning then is actually there? What matter is it really, if we add significance where it is not inherently innate? Is there harm in manufacturing inspiration? What does society--or the individual--lose by being spurred to action?
I say nothing. And in retrospect, when I evaluate the effects of this influence on my life, I see nothing but progress. My principles remain intact, if not stronger than before. And honestly, they've never really been anything but respected--and never challenged. The repercussions have been what I expected: the loss of superficial friends who related to me with our mutual timidity. I find no surprise or regret in expelling sameness from my life. Nor should you.
My life, daily, is further dialed in, closer to a track I've chosen for myself rather than one chosen by someone else. Of course, it's a journey, not a transformation. It takes time. There are regressions--but I see them as proof of realness; exceptions that prove the rule, that indicate and solidify my commitment.
Posted by ryanholiday at 10:26 AM