Michael Malice

The Mirror of Self-Scrutiny: Navigating the Pressures of Visibility When we seek growth, we often imagine it as a linear ascent toward a sunlit peak. We believe that once we reach a certain number of followers, a specific income bracket, or a prestigious title, the internal noise will finally quiet. But as Chris Williamson reflects during this milestone session, the reality of expansion is often accompanied by an increase in scrutiny—not just from the outside world, but from the person in the mirror. Success doesn't silence the inner critic; it gives that critic a larger microphone. Visibility acts as a psychological weight. For those of us dedicated to personal development, the challenge lies in maintaining authenticity while being aware that thousands of eyes are waiting for a misstep. This is the paradox of the 'online life.' You want the exposure to help more people, yet that very exposure triggers an ambient anxiety. It is vital to recognize that the human brain isn't naturally wired to handle the opinions of 350,000 people. Our tribal ancestors dealt with groups of 150; jumping into the hundreds of thousands creates a structural mismatch in our emotional regulation. The key to surviving this isn't to ignore the scrutiny, but to develop an internal 'waterline'—a standard of integrity that matters more to you than the fleeting comments of strangers. The Industrial Satisfaction: Why Hard Work is Your Only Constant One of the most profound insights shared in this reflection is the concept of habituated work ethic as a 'superpower.' We often hear about 'hacks' or 'shortcuts' to success, but Chris Williamson correctly identifies that while your location, job title, and salary will fluctuate, your ability to exert effort is the only thing that belongs entirely to you. Many people never push themselves to find their true limits. They operate within a comfortable margin, never realizing that they have a reservoir of strength sitting untapped. Building a high-capacity engine in your 20s or 30s isn't just about the immediate output; it's about psychological insurance. When you know you've survived 3:00 AM finishes or grueling physical challenges like Fran (the notorious CrossFit workout), you carry that evidence with you. It becomes a part of your identity. This 'industrial satisfaction' provides a sense of meaning that prevents you from drifting. If you find yourself in a state of 'NEET' (not in education, employment, or training), the advice is clear: change your geography and your routine immediately. Reinvention is easier when the people around you don't have a preconceived 'box' to put you in. You must be willing to be the 'barman' or the 'glass collector' to rebuild the rhythm of social and professional competence. The Evolution of Connection: Masculinity, Intimacy, and the Manosphere We are currently witnessing a massive shift in how men perceive their roles and their relationships. The current state of the 'manosphere' is often criticized for being toxic or immature, yet it represents a first iteration of a deeper search for identity. Chris Williamson suggests that we are moving toward a more refined version of this movement—something akin to a second wave of feminism, where men seek health, cultural acceptance, and emotional intelligence without losing their drive for excellence. This evolution requires us to look at platonic relationships and dating markets with brutal honesty. A common point of failure in modern relationships is the tension between a partner's purpose and the relationship's demands. If a partner begins to see your calling—be it a business, a podcast, or a fitness goal—as an enemy of their time, the relationship enters a destructive polarity. True intimacy shouldn't require you to choose between your highest purpose and your social support. Instead, we must learn to 'release the tiller' occasionally. While we strive to be in the top percentile of 'successful' individuals, we must also find the grace to be carried by the current of life rather than constantly fighting it. Internal Landscapes and the Fallacy of the Fix Perhaps the most empathetic moment of this session is the discussion of the negative inner monologue. It is a common misconception that high performers are fueled by self-love. Often, they are driven by a lack of internal assistance. This is the 'imposter adaptation'—the feeling that no matter how much you achieve, the hole inside remains unfilled. As a psychologist, I see this daily. People try to fix internal problems with external solutions. They think the 350k subscribers or the dinner with Jordan Peterson will finally make them feel 'enough.' But achievement doesn't fill the hole; it just decorates the edges. The work of 'archaeology'—digging into the heritage of that negative voice with a therapist—is the only way to reach a state of true well-being. This is why Chris Williamson emphasizes that his goals for 2022 aren't just about audio plays or celebrity guests like Jocko Willink or Naval Ravikant. They are about delegation and self-care. If you don't look after the 'host' of your own life, you have nothing of value to offer the world. We must learn to celebrate our wins and support ourselves internally before we can expect the world to do the same. The Power of Selective Input and Disagreeability As your platform grows, you have a responsibility to move beyond being a mere mouthpiece. Learning the art of disagreeability—the ability to push back on guests like James O'Keefe or Jordan Peterson without destroying the rhythm of conversation—is a vital skill for anyone in a leadership position. It is a 'trial by fire' that benefits the audience. If an idea cracks under pressure, it didn't deserve the platform. If it holds up, the audience is more invested. In our personal lives, this translates to the 'minimum effective dose' of self-improvement. We don't need to be masters of everything. We need to be functional in our weaknesses (health, finances) and 'mile-deep' in our strengths. This focus allows us to make a massive impact. It also requires us to be skeptical of the 'corporate press' and people in power. The last few years have shown us that those in positions of authority are often just as fallible as the rest of us. Hope doesn't come from trusting a higher power or a government; it comes from the democratization of information and the recognition that we have the agency to change our own lives. Embracing the Journey Toward Meaning Growth is a messy, non-linear process. It involves switching from being a 'boob guy' to a 'bum guy,' transitioning from a 'party boy' to a thoughtful intellectual, and navigating the weirdness of 'obligation-free status' that platforms like Love Island provide. It involves the humility of being 'spanked' at Topgolf by Jordan Peterson and the dread of contemplating mortality. But through all these reflections, one theme remains: meaning over happiness. Happiness is the novelty of a new city like Austin, but meaning is the industrial satisfaction of work that leaves the world a nanometer less 'shitty' than you found it. Whether you are an 'incel' trying to get on track or a career-driven woman reassessing her identity, the path forward is the same: one intentional step at a time, guided by introspection and fueled by a habituated work ethic. You are the leader of your own 'wisdom cult,' and the only member who truly needs to believe in the mission is you.

The Tail That Wags the Dog: Redefining Power Dynamics Modern political discourse often operates under a fundamental misunderstanding of hierarchy. We treat elected officials as the primary drivers of societal change, but a closer look at the mechanisms of influence suggests a different reality. Michael Malice argues that politicians like Joe Biden or Jeremy Corbyn are merely the "tail" of the political animal. The "dog" is the Corporate Press, and it wags that tail with calculated precision. This perspective shifts the focus from the ballot box to the newsroom, suggesting that the true source of cultural and political momentum lies in the hands of those who frame the narrative. When we analyze the relationship between the media and the government, we find that the press often dictates the boundaries of what is acceptable for a politician to say or do. A Democratic governor or a Labour Party minister cannot simply follow the data if that data contradicts the prevailing media drumbeat. To do so would be political suicide. The press creates a vat of ambient anxiety that fills the public consciousness, and politicians are forced to swim in it. This isn't just a bias toward one side of the aisle; it is a proactive agenda designed to maintain high volume and maximum emotional engagement. The Canadian Truckers and the Myth of Inherent Virtue The Freedom Convoy in Canada serves as a potent case study in how the corporate press manages dissent. Initially, the protest was ignored or framed as a minor disturbance. However, as it gained momentum, the narrative shifted toward delegitimization through labeling. The media's measure of virtue for any interest group is directly correlated to that group's utility in furthering a specific agenda. The moment the working class—represented here by truckers—became defiant, they were stripped of their agency and rebranded as "insurrectionists" or "white supremacists." This reveals a deep-seated class tension. The urban, highly educated elite often view the working class with a mix of condescension and suspicion. When Justin Trudeau reportedly fled the capital due to security concerns, it highlighted the psychological distress that defiance causes for those who prefer safety over liberty. The honking in Ottawa wasn't just noise; it was a sensory manifestation of a population refusing to be docile. The subsequent attempt by GoFundMe to seize donations further exposed the ideological drive behind these supposedly neutral platforms. This bifurcation of culture is a necessary step toward the formation of alternative mechanisms for social and financial cooperation. The Industry of Neurosis and the Victimhood Marker There is a growing correlation between high levels of education in urban environments and the prevalence of mental health struggles like anxiety and depression. The media leverages this by providing an external source for this internal disquiet. If people feel miserable, the press tells them exactly who to blame: the "bad people" who aren't following the rules. This creates a cycle where being a victim becomes a high-status marker. The more one can demonstrate suffering at the hands of perceived enemies, the more virtuous they appear within their in-group. However, this focus on victimhood has diminishing returns in the real world. In the context of interpersonal relationships and social dynamics, constant self-labeling as a victim often signals weakness or high maintenance rather than resilience. While the media encourages this perpetual state of grievance to keep viewership high, it often undermines the individual's ability to actually transcend their challenges. We see this play out in the digital town square, where every slip of the tongue is treated as the tip of an iceberg revealing a reprehensible personality. The goal is never resolution; it is the maintenance of a high-volume, high-anxiety environment. Corporate Sociopathy and the Illusion of Loyalty The behavior of large institutions—from Goldman Sachs to CrossFit—often mirrors the soullessness of the corporate press. These entities expect total loyalty from their employees and stakeholders but offer none in return. The case of Dave Castro at CrossFit is a prime example. Despite being a foundational figure in the brand, he was discarded as a "risk" because he represented the old guard—individuals who speak their minds rather than adhering to the new corporate doctrine. Corporations are often "bandwagon" entities, mindless in their pursuit of the latest viral trend or inclusion metric, driven more by the fear of negative publicity than a genuine commitment to values. This sociopathy extends to the international stage. The media and government often have a shared incentive to beat the drums of war, as seen in the tensions between Russia and Ukraine. There is an enormous amount of profit and power to be gained when a nation is at war. Human life frequently means nothing to the federal apparatus if it can be leveraged to further an agenda. Whether it's selling missiles or managing a pandemic, the objective is total domination over the aspects of people's lives that used to be private. The press facilitates this by presenting problems and then immediately offering the "only" acceptable solution, usually involving more centralized power. The Future of Mockery and Cultural Resilience As the excuses for total social control—like the pandemic—begin to recede, the press and government are desperate for a new "warhead" of anxiety. They are pivoting toward more abstract threats like "white supremacy" to maintain their grip, but these narratives are less tangible and harder to sustain. There is a palpable sense that the public is growing weary of "woke" institutional posturing. The most effective tool against this overreach isn't necessarily political litigation, but satire and mockery. Making it uncool to be associated with these rigid, joyless ideologies causes people to drop them like a hot stone. We are witnessing the slow digestive process of Corporate America as it tries to swallow and excrete fringe radicalism in a palatable form. But the mindless nature of these large institutions is also their weakness. While they focus on whether Joe Rogan provides the "correct" balance on his podcast, innovations like 3D printing and decentralized communication are making their centralized control obsolete. The future belongs to those who recognize their inherent strength to navigate these manufactured crises without surrendering their agency to the corporate dog wagging the political tail.

The Psychology of Manufactured Crisis True power often operates not through physical force, but through the management of internal states. Michael Malice identifies a shift in how institutions maintain authority: the cultivation of **ambient anxiety**. When a singular crisis like COVID-19 recedes, those reliant on social control must find new narratives to sustain high levels of public neuroticism. This is not just about reporting events; it is about keeping the collective nervous system in a state of hyper-vigilance to ensure compliance. The Press as the Architect of Action We often assume politicians lead the cultural conversation, yet the corporate press acts as the primary driver. Malice uses the metaphor of the dog and the tail; while figures like Joe Biden or Jeremy Corbyn appear to be in charge, they are frequently reacting to the drumbeat of media narratives. A politician who deviates from the established media consensus faces immediate professional exile. This creates a feedback loop where the press dictates the boundaries of acceptable thought, leaving leaders with little choice but to follow the loudest voice in the room. Pivot Points and Tangible Threats The difficulty for media outlets today lies in finding a successor to the pandemic's "total domination" over daily life. Pivoting to abstract concepts like white supremacy proves difficult because they lack the immediate, tangible impact of a virus. When the media attempts to label groups like the Canadian Truckers with these labels, the disconnect between reality and the narrative becomes visible. The goal remains the same: fill the vacuum of fear with multiple smaller threats to maintain the same level of influence once provided by a single global emergency. Filling the Void of Disquiet Why does this cycle persist? It serves a dual purpose. For the media, it generates status, money, and the ego-driven satisfaction of being the ultimate decision-maker. For the audience—particularly the urban, wealthy demographic—it provides a external rationalization for their own internal mental disquiet. By creating the need for constant updates and then filling that need with more anxiety, the cycle of dependency becomes a self-sustaining engine of cultural control.

The Utility of Interest Groups Power structures rarely value groups for their intrinsic worth; instead, they measure virtue through the lens of political utility. Michael Malice highlights a recurring pattern where marginalized or working-class groups are championed only as long as they serve a specific narrative. The moment a group like the Freedom Convoy exhibits defiance or challenges the status quo, the institutional support vanishes. This shift reveals a transactional relationship where the "working class" is a label used for convenience, not a community to be heard. When labor movements stop following the script, they are quickly discarded or labeled with extreme pejoratives to neutralize their influence. Financial Deplatforming and Ideological Branding The intervention by GoFundMe to freeze millions in donations marks a significant evolution in cultural bifurcation. By attempting to redirect funds or labeling a peaceful demonstration as an insurrection, the platform abandoned the facade of neutral service. This move serves a psychological purpose: it establishes a clear ideological brand. While the backlash eventually forced refunds, the initial action signaled that financial participation is now contingent on political alignment. This transparency, though jarring, helps the public recognize how institutional mechanisms are used to enforce conformity through economic pressure. The Clash of Safety and Liberty At the heart of this friction lies a deep psychological divide between those who prioritize absolute safety and those who value personal liberty. For many, the sight of a large, ungovernable group of people making independent choices causes profound distress. This neurosis often manifests as an inability to cope with minor disruptions, such as honking, because those disruptions represent a loss of control. Justin Trudeau and his administration’s response—fleeing or dismissing the protesters as lacking agency—reflects an elite refusal to engage with the reality of working-class frustration. Victimhood as a Status Marker Modern culture has transformed suffering into a high-status marker. By claiming to be a victim of a protest, individuals can claim moral superiority over the "offenders." This dynamic allows highly educated urbanites to blame external events for their internal anxieties. When the working class refuses to be docile, the elite response is to pathologize that defiance. Recognizing these games is the first step toward reclaiming self-awareness and navigating a world increasingly split into rigid, opposing camps.

The Psychological Landscape of Choice and Identity Western culture stands at a crossroads where the abundance of choice often collides with the biological and historical realities of being human. In our pursuit of ultimate autonomy, we have dismantled many of the traditional structures that once provided a sense of belonging and purpose. While this liberation has allowed for unprecedented professional achievement, it has also created a vacuum of meaning. For many women, the modern mandate to 'have it all' often feels like an invitation to do everything simultaneously without a supportive social infrastructure. This tension between personal ambition and the inherent drive for connection—specifically the role of motherhood—remains one of the most complex psychological shifts of our era. Bridget Phetasy highlights the profound shift that occurs when a woman moves from a state of total independence into the vulnerability of pregnancy. At 43, navigating a "geriatric" pregnancy, she reflects on the false dichotomy many women are sold in their 20s: the belief that one must choose between creative success and family. This internal conflict is often fueled by historical examples of self-absorbed artists and writers who viewed domesticity as the death of the creative spirit. However, the reality is often the opposite. The presence of a supportive partner and the impending responsibility of a child can introduce a sense of urgency and inspiration that fuels, rather than stifles, professional output. The Devaluation of Traditional Roles We have entered an era where traditional roles, particularly motherhood, are frequently viewed with skepticism or seen as a "fallback" option rather than a primary aspiration. This devaluation is a byproduct of second and third-wave feminism's necessary push for workplace equality, but it has resulted in a culture that struggles to celebrate the domestic sphere. When a woman chooses to be a stay-at-home mother, she often encounters a society that skips over her role as irrelevant or unimportant. This lack of social valuation creates a profound sense of isolation for those who perform what is arguably the most selfless and difficult job in existence. The evolution of feminism in the West has been rapid. We have moved from fighting for basic legal rights to a state where the very definition of womanhood is being debated and, in some circles, erased. The shift toward gender-neutral language—replacing "mother" with terms like "birthing person"—is often perceived by those on the ground as a dismissal of the unique physical and psychological experiences of women. This cultural tension suggests that in our effort to be inclusive, we may be throwing the "baby out with the bathwater," alienating the very people whose rights were originally being championed. The Architecture of Uncertainty and Control Human psychology is fundamentally wired to seek patterns and order. When randomness intrudes—whether through a global pandemic, economic instability, or shifting social norms—we experience a deep sense of uncertainty. This is where the concept of compensatory control becomes vital for understanding modern behavior. When we feel we have no agency over external events, we reintroduce order by adopting rigid opinions, turning to superstitions, or embracing conspiracy theories. It is easier for the human mind to believe in the grand, malicious plans of a global elite than to accept that we are at the mercy of a random, microscopic virus or incompetent leadership. This need for control manifest in the "opinion culture" of social media. We have been conditioned to believe that we must have a definitive stance on every global event, from nuclear power to epidemiology, regardless of our actual expertise. This performative knowledge provides a temporary shield against the discomfort of saying "I don't know." Yet, true resilience comes from the ability to sit with discomfort and acknowledge the limits of our understanding. Recognizing our capacity for self-delusion, particularly in the pursuit of confirming our existing biases, is a critical step toward genuine psychological maturity. Economic Realities and the Myth of Mobility The deterioration of urban centers like Los Angeles and New York serves as a physical manifestation of these cultural and policy failures. High taxes, lack of transparency in healthcare, and the mismanagement of public resources like water and power create a environment where only the extremely wealthy can thrive. While the advice to "just move" is frequently given to those unhappy with their circumstances, it ignores the deep psychological and economic costs of relocation. For the working class, moving means dislodging oneself from vital support systems—family, friends, and community—which are often more valuable than any tax break. This lack of mobility creates a sense of being trapped, which further fuels societal resentment. When the basic functions of a city—safety, clean streets, and affordable utilities—begin to fail, the trust between the citizen and the state erodes. This erosion of trust is not limited to local government; it extends to national and global institutions. The resulting vacuum is filled by tribalism, where individuals retreat into echo chambers that reinforce their fears and grievances, making collective problem-solving nearly impossible. Finding Resilience in an Age of Fragmentation To navigate this fragmented landscape, we must focus on building resilience through intentional action and self-awareness. Growth does not happen through grand societal shifts, but through one intentional step at a time. This requires us to bridge the gap between our desire for autonomy and our need for connection. We must learn to celebrate the "ordinary" achievements of life—raising a healthy child, maintaining a strong marriage, or building a small business—with the same fervor we reserve for professional accolades. Resilience also involves developing a "skepticism of our own certainty." By understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive us toward tribalism and conspiracy, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that keep us from empathizing with those who hold different views. The future depends on our ability to move past low-resolution arguments and engage with the complexity of the human experience. Whether we are discussing gender roles, economic policy, or the meaning of motherhood, the goal should be to find a balance that honors both our individual freedom and our shared humanity.

The Erosion of Urban Stability Coastal cities often represent the pinnacle of cultural and economic success, yet recent shifts suggest a fracturing of that foundation. When foundational systems like public safety and basic infrastructure begin to falter, the impact extends beyond economics into the collective psyche of the residents. Bridget Phetasy highlights how the daily routine in Los Angeles now requires constant hyper-vigilance, as citizens reroute their paths to avoid unpredictable street encounters. This persistent state of high alert erodes the sense of safety necessary for psychological well-being. Institutional Accountability and Monopolies The absence of competition in essential services creates a power dynamic reminiscent of organized crime. Agencies like the LADWP operate without the transparency or accountability that market competition typically enforces. When a utility provider can raise rates without improving service or preventing catastrophic events like grid-sparked fires, it breeds a sense of helplessness among the populace. This lack of agency is a significant barrier to personal growth and civic engagement, as individuals feel trapped by systems they cannot influence. The Mobility Gap: Class Realities of Relocation While high-profile figures like Michael Malice and Carol Markowitz have the resources to migrate to Florida or Texas, the working class remains tethered by invisible bonds. Moving is not merely a financial transaction; it involves the disruption of critical support networks. For a young family, the loss of nearby grandparents or a known healthcare system can outweigh the benefits of lower taxes. Dislodging oneself from a community requires a level of disposable income and emotional resilience that many simply do not possess, highlighting a growing divide in how different social classes experience urban decline. Ideology Versus Practicality Political stagnation often stems from single-party dominance, where progressive policies are implemented without the friction of a robust opposition. Michael Shellenberger has documented how well-intentioned social experiments can inadvertently accelerate the decay of the very cities they aim to save. When ideology takes precedence over measurable outcomes, the results are often catastrophic for the average resident. The path forward requires a shift from utopist theory toward practical, results-oriented governance that prioritizes the safety and stability of the human beings living within the system.

The journey of personal development often feels like a lonely trek through a dense forest of conflicting advice. We are told to be happy as we are, yet urged to become more. We are pushed toward peak productivity, only to find our mental health fraying at the edges. Reaching a milestone like 250,000 subscribers provides a unique vantage point to look back at the patterns that actually move the needle in a human life. It turns out that growth isn't about finding a secret formula; it’s about the messy, consistent, and often humorous process of deprogramming our default settings to live a life by design. The Fallacy of Insufficiency One of the most pervasive myths in the self-help world is that you must feel broken to seek improvement. Many of us use a sense of inadequacy as the fuel for our ambitions. We believe that if we just hit that next goal, earn that next promotion, or reach that specific number on a scale, the hole inside us will finally be filled. This is a dangerous lie. You do not need to feel terrified, insignificant, or fragile to want to become a better version of yourself. In fact, if the fuel for your journey is self-hatred, you will find that the destination is remarkably hollow. True progress starts with the radical realization that you are enough right now. This doesn’t kill your drive; it changes the quality of it. When you work from a place of abundance rather than lack, you are no longer trying to "fix" yourself. Instead, you are exploring your potential simply because your time on earth is finite and you want to leave the world better than you found it. This shifts your motivation from a desperate sprint away from a perceived defect to an intentional walk toward a greater contribution. If you wait for success to grant you happiness, you have shortcutted your own well-being. You can choose to be happy today, and that happiness will provide a more sustainable energy for the long-term pursuit of your goals. Digital Boundaries and the Focus Economy In a world designed to hijack your attention, your relationship with technology is the primary indicator of your mental clarity. Most people live by their phone’s default settings, which means they are living at the mercy of algorithms designed to keep them scrolling. Reclaiming your life requires a ruthless restructuring of your digital environment. This isn't just about "using your phone less"; it's about intermittent fasting for your technology. Simple strategies carry immense weight. Moving your phone out of the bedroom at night eliminates the impulse to scroll before sleep or immediately upon waking. By creating a "no-phone window" in the morning and evening, you protect the most vulnerable parts of your day from the noise of the world. Further, treating your main device as a tool rather than an entertainment hub is essential. This means stripping social media apps off your primary phone and moving them to a secondary, Wi-Fi-only device. When you make it inconvenient to be distracted, you naturally gravitate back toward meaningful action. If you don't design your digital boundaries, the focus economy will design them for you, and the price will be your potential. The Power of the Yogurt-Lid Moment As we grow, we often put "successful" people on pedestals, imagining they possess some mystical quality we lack. We view intellectual titans or celebrities as their "body of work" rather than as flesh-and-blood humans. This perception can be paralyzing, making us feel that their level of achievement is unattainable. However, proximity reveals a different truth. Every person you admire, no matter how influential, is just a normal human who has to wake up, face their own insecurities, and navigate the mundane tasks of daily life. This is what we might call the "yogurt-lid moment." It’s the instance where you see someone you respect doing something profoundly ordinary—like licking the lid of a yogurt pot. In that moment, the spell of their perceived "otherness" is broken. They are no longer a heroic academic titan; they are just a person. This realization is incredibly grounding. It teaches us that success isn't for a different species of human; it is the result of normal people making consistent, disciplined choices over a long period. Once you realize that the gap between you and your heroes is primarily one of time and focused effort, the path forward becomes much less intimidating. Moving from Strategy to Execution A common trap for those interested in personal growth is "procrastination through learning." It feels like progress to listen to a podcast, read a book, or map out a complex strategy. It gives us a dopamine hit that mimics the feeling of achievement without requiring any of the actual risk. The reality is that the world is full of strategists but starving for executors. Strategy is the top word on LinkedIn profiles for a reason: it's comfortable. Execution is difficult, messy, and involves the very real possibility of failure. To break this cycle, you must become an executor first and a strategist second. This means ruthlessly culling your list of interests to focus on the one thing that truly matters right now. If your goal is fitness, then your social life or certain work projects might have to take a back seat. This is the price of entry. When things get difficult and your body wants to quit, you must remind yourself: "This is why I’m here." Discomfort is the signal of growth. You don't go to the gym for the warm-up; you go for the struggle. By leaning into that discomfort as if you invited it through the door, you separate yourself from the masses who are still busy theorizing about their future while you are actively building yours.