Many years ago, I was fortunate to form a loose association with some individuals online, inspired by the work of Christopher Hyatt. Right from the original Yahoo message board days, I witnessed that raging maelstrom of mental illness, soul crushing insight, relentless breaking down, non-dogmatic thought, and ceaseless personal work. And also, in some ways, a kind of strange proto-online brotherhood, where despite the flame wars and ball-busting and general hilarious toxicity, underneath it all was enough feedback to indicate some type of care. Well, sort of.
The group was also ruthless. This was, of course, the kind of thing that attracts a special kind of lunatic. Many were too far gone. Pronounced dead on arrival, so to speak. After some simian incursions that were really on the nose, the group decided on a ruthless vetting process that resulted in these types being cleansed on arrival. And rightly so, this is something I've encouraged ever since.
Members came and went, of course. Some stuck around. Others drifted off into the great unknown of the electronic void. Those like myself, towards the end at least, would visit from time to time before outgrowing it and departing.
At least in my case, that loose association has continued to this day in other ways as if by some odd energetic connectivity. A current Twitter mutual turned out to be the person who gave me such an intense dressing down I was swiftly prompted into an entirely different and superior life trajectory. After being referred to poetically as a kangaroo fucker - maybe true, maybe not - everything I tried to hide was dismantled, intentionally or not. Some people would pay a shrink good money for that. And it would take years. I got my 'aha' for free with a side of pissing myself laughing (Certain he probably doesn't even remember since the rants and critiques he provided were numerous and the stuff of legend - honestly, it was a privilege to witness). I've never seen verbal assaults of that quality to this day. There was something special about the early days of the internut.
That somewhat vicious rant imparted me a totally different attitude right at the critical moment. For this reason I’ve always promoted language as primarily a kind of rhetorical hammer. And for this, I will be forever grateful. I often say that to people, sometimes the most impactful thing you can receive is someone offering unhinged yet supremely accurately targeted abuse at the right time. Something we often hear stories of gurus doing.
There's nothing wrong with insensitive and harsh feedback; intelligently done. Something I stand by, and I often dispense with nothing but good intentions, of course.
And although not involved with the group anymore (all things have a life span), I see myself as having my most important foundational and formative roots in that peculiar foment. Like any method or system, some people took it and made something of themselves; others spun their wheels in the mud. I had the privilege of working directly with one individual in particular in that direct Regardian lineage who inspired the ultimate outcome of how I view "the work," as it's called. This is when I really got it. I'm no authority on anything. I make no claims to know much. Yet I've picked up some valuable tricks over the years. I know it works because the work worked for me and continues to. And that's where I speak from, simply from what I've learned through experience to be the case.
From this raging foment came some rules for life, a kind of Dokkodo. A porto-Jordan Petersonian digital scroll for people who aren’t dopes. I still have this on my wall. Forget Peterson and clean rooms and all the bullshit; these rules for life are short, concise and to the point.
Our aim should be the pursuit of authenticity, a life well lived, a life lived to the full. Whatever the endeavour, there should be a certain performative elegance to what we engage in.
In our efforts, we wish to grasp the 'élan vital', the vital force.
The power of the impulse of life, the will of existence itself, is something we do not shirk from acknowledging. To aspire to this in these times is complex. This is a difficult and sick culture that apparently seeks to subvert such impulses. Even many of those who are potentially powerful are hopelessly wrapped up in it. When trying to escape, we can easily fall into charlatanism and LARP - often compounding our problems.
Some think that vitalism is unwilled. You're a 'chad' or an 'alpha', or you're a 'simp' or 'beta'. As with everything else, labels such as these are context dependent. And no one is born to simply be one or the other. We need to work on ourselves in this world with whatever amount of 'the stuff' we've been imparted with.
Maybe some are great and born suchly - I don't know, I've never seen it. I've read about it, but that means nothing. Humanimals are constantly mythologising, and their words cannot be trusted. Indeed in nature we see the ugly and the beautiful & the powerful and the weak. Most philosophies are chosen because they suit the vessel. This one, the one below, tends to leave enough space for you to determine what that is for yourself. This is an important difference. It seeks potential self-willed.
'Modernity' and 'progress' and other such labels seem to me merely smokescreens for empty thinking, a meaningless notion of the moderns empty desire for perfection in being serviced. This is something different. The words here point to getting off the couch. They point to making yourself into a work of art. This stands in obvious contrast to the ugliness, malaise, and sickness we all see. As I've seen in my nation's election recently, an excellent example of this malaise is seen in the leaders the hoi polloi choose. The problem, if there is one, is the species itself. Not the leaders or cabals. These types merely reflect the spiritual architecture of the masses.
There are simple, inspiring aphorisms and actions that one can take to drive toward living a life of authenticity. A life outside of being lived by something else. A self-defined life. In my view, this is the best a man can hope for, a chance at a self-defined life.
C.S Hyatt has shaped me thusly. The insaneoid derivative group shaped me. Mostly, my hard work shaped me. Unrecognisable, compared to what I should have been; self-becoming, chipping away at the shapeless block of stone that was. Self-definition is the antidote to the toxic programming we face from day dot. I still work in this lineage, and I will never stop the work.
Simply, much of his knowledge is shown through the 'C.S Hyatt Dokkōdō".
1. I will serve my highest aspirations with truth, strength, and joy. I hereby bind myself in every way in everything I do throughout the day to my highest purposes. Everything I do, whether big or small, serves my end.
2. Each evening repeat the affirmation you’ve created above, but include the phrase, "even in my dreams I will affirm my goals, strength and power.
3. Refuse to entertain thoughts of self-doubt and failure - and ignore all those who attempt to influence you against yourself. Remember, each painful thought has an underlying belief.
4. Thank yourself each and every day and night for any effort you put forth to accomplish your ends.
5. Do not mourn over any failure or loss - do not dwell on losses. If and when you catch yourself regretting your errors...slap yourself in the face.
6. Build in your mind the images which reflect your future.
7. Start your day early and end your day late.
8. Do not overindulge in food, sex, or anything which will sidetrack you from your end.
9. Cleanse yourself every day from defeatist programs. Keep your body and mind in fine tune. Choose a different part of your body everyday and give it special attention.
10. Avoid talking about other people unless it suits your purpose. Do not become known as a gossip. Avoid participating in gossip sessions with co-workers or acquaintances. If you are stuck in a situation where this type of behaviour is going on...only give tacit approval - avoid contributing directly.
11. Study something of value each and every day, even if it is only for ten minutes.
12. Record a new idea in your journal each and every day.
13. Give at least one hour a day to private and quiet time - either in meditation or contemplation.
14. Find people who know more than you do - watch, listen and learn. Ask questions when necessary, but do not show off your knowledge or argue with them.
15. Each and every day record at least one sentence about what you have accomplished.
16. Make up a fresh affirmation and set of images when you are attempting a new venture.
17. Do half an hour of research in an area you know nothing about. Just read...don't force yourself to understand...turn the understanding over to your unconscious mind.
18. Perform even the most menial task with attention and concentration. Allow no opportunity to train your brain to pass you by
19. Give something of yours away each and every month. Attempt to find a person you can benefit - particularly if you don't like them.
21. Find someone or something that is beautiful and that you admire. Look at it or listen to it as often as you can.
22. Attempt to share your joy and success with at least one other person.
23. Watch your thoughts, actions, and speech for signs of self-betrayal.
24. Learn to love something, whether it is a person, object, or an idea.
25. Avoid eating large meals which will dull your mind - particularly in the afternoon and before bedtime.
26. Try to find a small group of people who are interested in their own self-development...Watch, observe, and participate - and leave as soon as you spot the group turning into a belief-system.
27. Although you have your final goals and desires, focus on what you are doing in the moment. Concentrate on each and every small task at hand.
28. Once a month, let go...Indulge yourself, violate all of the other rules...Simply have a good time, as you define it.
29. Do not rely on talent, beliefs, or any ritual - these are only adjuncts to continuous effort.
30. Take small steps toward your desires - don't demand of yourself instant success and recognition.
31. If you find you have enemies, learn to sidestep them - it is a lot cheaper than trying to destroy them or dwelling on them.
32. When you begin a new project, plant a tree and watch it grow...You can do this in a park or other public place.
At the end of the day, what else are you going to do?