Preparation as an Antidote to Paranoia

Men who train for battle, prepare for civil unrest, or make themselves ready for periods of economic instability are often viewed by their neighbors as “right-wing gun nuts” or “paranoid preppers” or “tinfoil hat conspiracy theorists.” Although nobody delights in being ascribed these labels, I would submit that these labels are preferable to the labels that would be ascribed to those who mock the prepper – naive; arrogant; victims.

While the common man lives his life in relative comfort and bliss, the prepper chooses a harder path. The prepper acknowledges the inherent instability of the social order and the historical trend of governments toward tyranny. He understands the concepts and value of freedom and independence. And in the light of this great and terrible knowledge, he makes himself ready for the potential tribulations and the eternal struggle between the individual and the state.

The mainstream pundits and politicians profit from making the preppers out to be fools and delusional because their game is manipulation and lulling the masses into a cozy dependence. To be fair, I’m sure there are many preppers who are a little far-out-there. But these cherry-picked crazies don’t represent the vast majority of us. For most of us, we are simply men who perceive the darker side of reality and embrace the higher virtues of Western culture; individualism, self-reliance, and freedom – we refuse to be slaves, sheep, and victims.

In the shadow of growing threats to these virtues, a man can become mad with paranoia. Today, the individual that represents everything that once made the West great, is presented with an ever-increasing awareness that his way of life is being eroded by the forces of collectivism and totalitarianism. We have two options before us – despair or prepare.

Once a thing is seen, it cannot be unseen. We must face it head-on. Though this journey is fated to be much harsher and less enjoyable than the path that those around us travel, we, as warriors, march onward. Happiness is nothing. No great man ever pursued happiness, comfort, or peace. Man is a load-bearing creature – we are built for struggle and tribulations. Our weaker qualities make us susceptible to slavery and tyranny; it is only the qualities that are forged in battle and hardship that make us stronger.

So prepare yourselves, my brothers, and do not pay attention to the sheep that surround you. There is no shame or dishonor in making oneself formidable. And for those who are duty bound to the Western virtues, preparation is not only a wise precaution, but a growing necessity.

Nil Desperandum.