Living

Howdy everyone,

It's been a long time! Recently, since I've started university, I've been introduced to philosophy and in the last few months I have began to reject capitalism.

However, through reflection, I've determined that it's the individual who is corrupt, and not the business world as a whole. Due to all of this new information that I've needed to process, I no longer have such high reaching goals.

Where as my old goals revolved around the accumulation of "stuff", my new goals revolve around the accumulation of experiences, and making the world a better place.

I've compiled somewhat of a bucket list;

1 SkyDiving
2 ScubaDiving
3 BungeeJumping
4 BaseJumping
5 Jumping into the ocean off a large cliff
6 Take a Zero Gravity Trip
7 Go into an air tunnel
8 Serve food at a soup kitchen
9 Get my motorcycle license
10 Wear a huge mascot costume and give out free hugs
11 Spend an entire day giving out money, food, clothing, and a listening ear to homeless people
12 Visit every continent
13 Swim in every ocean
14 Give a struggling charity a $100,000 donation
15 Learn to play the guitar
16 Perform with a band in front of a crowd of 20,000 people
17 Write a Book
18 Make a Documentary
19 Make a Short (film)
20 Tell a Girl I love her
21 Spend a week with friends in the middle of nowhere with no contact to the outside world
22 Backpack across Europe
23 Be a space tourist
24 Give $1000 to Ftp railers
25 Be an extra in a Hollywood movie
26 Graduate from university
27 Set up an amazing Christmas Display (outdoor lights)
28 Set up an amazing Halloween Display
29 Bike (Bicycle) across Canada
30 Fund and build a school in Africa and South America
31 Do the human flag
32 Hold a handstand
33 Make kids laugh at a children’s hospital

Poker

34 Become a pro poker player
35 Win a live poker tourney for $1M or more
36 Cash in a live tourney for $100K +
37 Cash in a live tourney for $10K +
38 Win an online tourney for $200K +
39 Cash in an online tourney for $100K +
40 Cash in an online tourney for $10K +
41 Make $100,000 in one day
42 Make $50,000 in one day
43 Make $10,000 in one day
44 Make $5,000 in one day
45 Make $1,000 in one day
46 Be on a poker show
47 Get featured in Bluff Magazine
48 Get featured in Poker Pro Magazine
49 Sit at an online cash game with $1M
50 Sit at a live cash game with $1M

As some of you know, my old goals consisted of having a massive net worth, owning pro sports teams, and running my own multi-national. This is no longer the case.

As for the business aspect of reaching my goals, I will most probably look into real estate, and paper assets in ethical companies.

Now that I'm starting to see the world for what it truly is, I know I have a duty to try and change it.

I posted this in another forum. It was a forum that contained people with little aspiration. I was insulted, critisized, and ridiculed for being "naive". I know I'm always welcome here. After all, this is a forum of achievers, and I plan to do just that.

It's nice to be back,

Ryan

Ps: My plan of action will be shared in the coming days

Interesting change of mindset. As you are obviously young (not a negative and in many cases has advantages), I encourage you to continually seek knowledge and not rely on what you are taught in university. Remember the old saying 'those that cannot do, teach'. This unfortunately holds true in many cases. Many times teachers do so because they cannot achieve success in the 'civilian world' so they stay within the comfortable confines of academia. Just be wary of the source of your teaching. Don't take everything as stated.

I would tend to partially disagree with you about the individual being corrupt. The individual CAN be corrupt, but the innovation and growth in society always comes from the individual, not from the collective. A rational self-interested person will always do things to benefit himself and if everyone lived that way, the world would be a better place. Where we go wrong, (from my philosophical viewpoint) is with guilt and entitlement. People give (all forms of charity and social welfare) out of guilt, not because they feel it is of benefit to themselves and therefore it creates a sense of entitlement in the receiver. This is very destructive for society.

Since you are studying philosophy, I suggest you read some Ayn Rand books like Atlas Shrugged. You may not agree with her philosophy, but it gives you a different perspective and allows you see the world from more than one viewpoint. Academia is not always the best viewpoint (or ever).

I do however like your change of mindset from the accumulation of stuff to the accumulation of experiences. In my early 20's (I'm 35 now), I had this mindset and ended up with a garage full of cars, motorcycles and a couple of houses. I have spent the last couple of years in a 'junk' auction trying to simplify because I decided life was more about what you do that what you have. I have traveled to 4 continents, went hunting and horseback riding in Siberia, been on a one month motorcycle camping trip, rode camels in Morocco, been to a MotoGP in Czech Republic, swam with the dolphins in Mexico and many, many other experiences that enrich my life much more than buying another car.

Nice post, this has inspired me to make my own "bucket list".

Thanks for this

Ditto on GlobalWealth's post, speed+thanks. Capitalism is the best system in the world and to see that academia has corrupted your philosophy on it doesn't shock me. While man might be corrupted, I'll argue that "academia" is corrupted. I second GlobalWealth's recommendation ... read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

Capitalism's problem is always greed ... however greed is not confined to capitalistic systems. Greed is a human condition.

Nonetheless, the accumulation of experiences over stuff is a commendable approach. Unfortunately, experiences (like stuff) cost money. My philosophy is simple: If you want money to do whatever (or buy whatever) stop being greedy and start being helpful ... and doing it in a massive way.

Props Ryan for coming down to that realization. Owning nice things will only go so far, but leaving the world with your imprint, will last forever.

I realize that my original post might have been taken the wrong way. I didn't mean capitalism as a whole. It is the only system that is proven to work.

What I did mean is that I'm against massive multi-nationals owning 95% of a market, or those that set up oligopolies. These enormous companies are known to manipulate the consumer's mind, to destroy the environment, and to exploit workers in developping countries.

We need entreprenneurs who have real products and/or services to sell.

I'm just struggling to understand why someone would need a lambo or ferrari. I mean, don't get me wrong I want one as well, but is it really necessary?

People are starving, sick, and dying all over the world. I think when I get to the point of deciding on spending $300,000 on a car, or helping put food on 20,000 needy tables.. I'll know my choice.

Having said that, capitalism is essential to the ahievement of my goals. I'm just not comfortable with the direction that our over-consumerism society is headed. I'll now be playing the role of the rich activist entreprenneur poker player that funds social and environmental justice

I disaggree with this, buying a Lamboghini, or Ferrari is a symbol of ones success. You might not have come accross like this, but just because someone buys one, doesn't mean they dont care about the starving, sick, and dying all over the world. But one shouldnt have to live like they are poor or middle class, after busting their ass their whole life.

I would lean to what you are saying about people who buy buy buy, and dont give back. In that case, I understand your point. But if I have $1mil in the bank, and I choose to buy a nice house for my family, nice car, pay for college for my children, and give some to charity, I have every right to do that, and shouldn't have to feel bad because I didnt give it all to charity.

That's what I meant.

As for the lambo being a symbol of success, does it have any other value? Pretty much the only reasons I want one is to;

a) show off my success
b) drive a nice, fast, rare car

Those two reasons are really weak in my opinion, but don't get me wrong. I still want one.

I guess what it comes down to is a balance.

I would feel comfortable splurging (if that's a word) on an expensive object, only if I donate an equal amount to charity or people in need.

Example;

Say I get a car that costs me $4,000 a month. I would only get it if I donate $4,000 a month. That seems like a more than fair compromise?

Hey Ryan, I agree somewhat with your philanthropic views and goals. Good for you that you are able to see that there are people in this world that do need help. This is where the role of "giving back" comes into play. After you make thousands, millions, or even billions, you are in charge of where that money goes. Some people spend it on themselves, some give most of it away and some have a balance. I will focus more on the people that balance their money.
Many affluential people that balance their money not only give away money but spend their time and talents helping others. They also worked hard for their money and have the choice to reward themselves with the fruits of their labors. Some people buy a $450,000 car others buy a house. I have a family friend that has been a multi-millionaire for many, many years. He and his family have multiple homes and cars. What many people do not know is how much he and his wife give away annually to various charities and causes. Almost every time they donate anonymously.

What I am trying to state, is that if you are in a financial position where you can buy a car for $450,000 , you can also help others with your money. Many wealthy people do both; they drive expensive cars and run charities. All people are different. What is most important is what you decide to do when you make your money. Good luck and I hope everything comes true for you that is on your bucket list.

As for the Lambo:

1. You can use your car to inspire the dreams of others. If you can do it, why can't they?

One of my Lamborghini encounters happened like this. The owner stated "You can do it too, just think and be smart. I am 48 now and I started late. It only takes a few years so start early."

That sure sounds like giving back and inspiring others.

After thinking about what all of you have said, I realize you're right.

I can't believe I made that antiquated institution get to me. (Remember my hatred of High School).

I need to add a few more things to my list now

<---back in the fastlane, just found the balance

I was going to comment on this when I saw it, but wasn't sure if it violated the politics discussion area!

I'll remember that for next time

College changes everyone-- and that's a good thing.

For some (like you), it makes them think about what they are going to do w/their life.

And they choose to change their PLANs.

Nothing wrong w/that. We grow and change. Our PLANs should grow and change with us.

I also may never own a $300,000 car. I may own a car that once was $300K (and I bought for $130K), or maybe I won't.

Hard to predict what directions my life will take.

Wherever you're headed, always remember: Enjoy the ride.

-Russ H.

Ryan, the Fastlane isn't about the ends, it is the means. If your ends is to feed one million starving children, then that is YOUR end. Everyone has different ENDS. The Fastlane is the road to each individual's objective ....

.


Well for me, being a auto enthusiast. To own a Lamborghini or Ferrari, is to own a fine machine, to own a piece of beauty man has made into a fine tuned automobile. The thrill I would get just hitting gas, raises my heart beat, and puts a smile on my face. I dont care if others see that i have it, I care about how I feel about the car. Not saying a car completes me or defines me but, but certain vehicles sure do make my heart skip a beat!

I wont own one because its expensive, I would own one because of what I believe it is.

I dont think though you can compare contributions to a dollar amount. You can donate, but liek you said, spending time with the homeless, do some fund raisers for childrens hospitals, tutor students for free, those are things that are Priceless, and are well beyond a dollar amount. A car will last for so long, the memory of someone in your life that helped you, last forever.

Again, I am stating my philosophy here, but these charities that give food to the needy countries of Africa do more harm than good. When XYZ charity gives large quantities of food to a developing country, this causes the local farmers to go out of business and stop producing crop because they cannot compete with very cheap or free food. When the free food supply runs out, the local economy has no farmers left and no crops for the next several seasons and in effect keeps the region in extreme poverty and starvation. This creates an endless cycle of charity and destroys the local food economy which then creates a society of people that come to expect free food from the rich Americans, Brits, Aussies..... These programs are like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound. Sure, it helps feed people today, but creates starvation, poverty and entitlement for years to come. If you really want to help the starving people of the world, buy some local land, invest in farm equipment, hire some locals to work the farm, and feed the people from locally produced food.

There is more than one way to help impoverished people.

Amazon.com: A Billion Bootstraps: Microcredit,...
The key is to find a solution in which people can help themselves.

on a philosophical level I agree. But the child starving does not care about philosophy and does not care about the farmer.

Best charities for my money right now are those providing fresh clean water so communities can build their ag base.