We are currently experiencing a severe economic recession—one that portends extremely difficult times ahead. It is true that some people prosper whether it is good times or bad times—although even they face hard challenges. Tragically, the majority of people are struggling to keep their heads above water—unlikely to survive the tsunami that quickly follows the economic earthquake that is certain to wreck our economy.

Does the above scenario scare you? It should—but it shouldn’t frighten you into inaction. There is always hope when you are able to think with clarity and take effective actions. There are ways of thinking, feeling and acting that guarantee you not only survive—but also thrive.

The Treachery of Government Interventionism

It is possible that you are so far in debt that you actually feel you are drowning in it. You know you are living well beyond your means. You fear that it is likely that you will lose your home to foreclosure. Unemployment is a distinct possibility. You have caught a glimpse of bankruptcy rapidly marching in your direction. You wonder how it all happened. Everything seemed to unravel quickly.

Maybe you irresponsibly lived high off the hog—or maybe you were tricked into living beyond your means. Is it possible that establishment press led you to believe that the phony “prosperity” that the government and the Federal Reserve System created was here to stay—that it was real prosperity? Is it also possible that they convinced you that saving for the future was an anachronism and that borrowing money to spend on all the good things in life was your patriotic duty—that personal indebtedness was beneficial for the economy—therefore it was good for America?

I’m hitting you with the truth. All government intervention on the marketplace is fraudulent—it is absolute treachery. Government has no wealth of its own. It can only take from Peter to give to Paul. Government has absolutely no means to create wealth. However, it definitely possesses the power to destroy hopes and dreams—to wreck lives and economies. And that it has done throughout history.

Trials and Tribulations

During my lifetime I’ve experienced many trials and tribulations. I have fallen into the pits of irrational selfishness. I’ve suffered the severe consequences of a misguided altruism—although I’ve got to tell you that when the altruism involves loved ones, it’s extremely difficult to avoid wandering down this path. Some may say it is unavoidable. Because of these mistakes I’ve accumulated debts and obligations. Some I haven’t been able to pay for various reasons. Despite this, I have fortunately accumulated several other things of inestimable value.

1. I learn through wisdom instead of woe. I am reaping the benefits of years of continuous learning.

2. I learned the art of positive thinking and positive actions. I’ve had to lick my wounds in the past—but I recovered and cheerfully moved forward on my goals and desires.

3. I released all the guilt, anger and hate that built up during the many crises I suffered through—and conquered.
4. I finally decided to give up irrational selfishness and misguided altruism. Now I attempt to act with rational selfishness as my ally. I am only interested in value for value relationships. In the past, I became involved in relationships where I received little or no value. The secondary consequence of indulging in valueless relationships was that I was left in a position where I couldn’t pay my debts and obligations.

Eliminating Guilt

I could feel guilty about the times I hurt someone or didn’t live up to my obligations. I ask you: “What possible good could my guilty feelings accomplish?” The answer is—none. A person wallowing in guilt is at best useless and at worse self-destructive to himself and those closest to him.

So maybe you are feeling guilty about your current situation. You have money problems. Arguments with your spouse or significant other are destroying the foundation of your relationship. Maybe you’re taking your hurt, frustration and anger out on your kids. Even worse you are attempting to eliminate your suffering through irrationally selfish behavior such as excessive drinking, drug use, too much television—anything to desensitize the pain.

I understand how you feel. Before I discovered rational selfishness and living impeccably, I eagerly embraced many avenues of escape—anything to get away from the pressures of everyday life. At best, it was all in vain. Often it brought me misfortune. Below are some beautiful, but profound words from the song “The Balance” from the album “Question of Balance” by the Moody Blues that conveys some of my own thoughts about past actions—and my subsequent understanding of the self

“And he thought of those he angered
For he was not a violent man
And he thought of those he hurt
For he was not a cruel man
And he thought of those he frightened
For he was not an evil man
And he understood
He understood himself
Upon this he saw that when he was of anger or knew hurt or felt fear
It was because he was not understanding
And he learned compassion

And with his eyes of compassion
He saw his enemies like unto himself
And he learned love
Then, he was answered”

Ease up on yourself and others. Practice love, understanding and kindness toward your fellow human beings. You will reap many heavenly rewards.

Overcoming Adversity

It is likely that inflationary Federal Reserve money and treacherous government interventionism tricked you into living beyond your means. Or maybe you were the cause of your unfortunate predicament due of lack of self-responsibility. Possibly your uncomfortable situation is the result of the combination of the above. What are you to do now?

Here are three possible scenarios with some suggestions on how to deal with them.

Scenario #1: You are so far in the hole that you see no way out. Your finances are in shambles and you have let people down in both your financial and personal relationships.

Solution: Your ultimate goal is to develop value for value relationships. If living up to your financial obligations sabotages any chance you have for beneficial relationships in the future—let them go. Admit that you are illiquid, insolvent and bankrupt. Accept the reality that it isn’t possible to pay anybody back. Start anew and vow that all of your future relationships involve trading value for value.

In your personal relationships, you must release any guilt that is sabotaging your prospects for the future. If you’ve hurt others and can’t make it up to them—let it go. A person wallowing in guilt and shame has very little to offer. However, you can benefit others by developing positive traits—beginning today.

Scenario #2: You are in bad shape, but you can make good on some of your personal and financial obligations.

Solution: Make good on what is possible and beneficial for all involved. Take care of these debts. In all other cases follow the solution in the previous scenario and let it go. Vow that from now on you are practicing rational selfishness, trading value for value and acting with impeccable integrity.

Scenario #3: You have suffered some personal and financial setbacks, but it is possible to pay all of your personal and financial obligations. You can pay your debts.

Solution: It is obvious you can pay your debts—financial and personal. You eradicate irrational selfishness from your life—and you are now aware of the evils of social altruism—especially once it becomes institutionalized in the form of government interventionism. You live impeccably and practice rational selfishness as a way of life. Because you believe in self-responsibility you support the social system of Laissez faire capitalism.

Regardless of which scenario is applicable in your case—you realize that consumer debt isn’t the means to long-term prosperity.

Yeah, life is difficult, especially when you are suffering financial and personal difficulties. Sometimes you wonder if it is all worth it. Maybe it is easier to just lay down and die—or at least kill the pain through irrationally selfish activities such as heavy alcohol consumption, drug use, excessive television viewing, orgies—anything to alleviate a never ending hell on earth.

The above won’t work. Irrational selfishness will only make matters worse—increase your pain and suffering. The happy, joyous individual lives the life of the rationally selfish. He reasons efficiently and is in tune with his intuitive powers. He enjoys all the pleasures life has to offer because he is healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Here are some words of wisdom from Napoleon Hill. I’ve quoted them before. However, profound truths can’t be repeated enough.

“Adversity has within it the seeds of an equivalent or greater benefit.” And that it does.